The Government must act

It was emotional to watch last night but I am so pleased the 7.30 Report was able to expose the alarming culture of suicide within the HMAS Stirling Navy base in Perth. This is the first time I have spoken publicly about my son’s death. In watching the other families share their painful stories it is clear the Navy’s secrecy let our boys down. The Navy knew about their suicides and did nothing - we must make sure that no one else suffers the way our boys did. If this can save one life, it was worth it. For those of you who missed it here is the link to access it - http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2015/s4212153.htm The Navy again last night showed they won’t take this seriously or take action, so it’s time to go above their heads - to the Federal Government. The report presented the urgency for government intervention to amend ADF privacy contracts in situations where risk of suicide is evident. We desperately need the Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews to respond with the same urgency to avoid more deaths of loved ones. Can you post a comment to the Facebook pages of Kevin Andrews https://www.facebook.com/kevinandrewsmp (you’ll need to post it as a comment on one of his posts) to let him know you want him to take action to save lives? The culture of bullying, drugs and alcohol combined with a complete failure of duty of care cannot continue any longer. It’s time our Government did something. Thank you all so much for being a part of this journey with me. Mark PS I’m keen to talk to any families or individuals who may delay joining the Navy until these issues are dealt with, or who have family members currently serving on HMAS Stirling who are worried about the situation. Please contact me on navypetition@gmail.com