Last weekend I had the privilege of speaking on the Veterans Panel at the United in Compassion Conference 2026 in Brisbane, alongside clinicians, researchers and fellow advocates working to improve health outcomes for veterans.

During the panel we discussed the challenges many veterans face navigating the health system, particularly those living with treatment-resistant PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and complex medication regimes.

I spoke about the work we’re doing through the Safer Veterans Australia / No More Zombie Veterans campaign, and why many veterans are calling for safer health options and better education around the endocannabinoid system.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide highlighted serious concerns about psychiatric polypharmacy and the risks associated with complex medication regimes for veterans.

At the same time, many veterans are navigating the recent changes to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs medicinal cannabis framework announced in February, which have raised questions around access to care and continuity of treatment for veterans who are currently stable.

These are the conversations that need to happen.

Events like United in Compassion bring together patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers to openly discuss how we can build safer, evidence-based approaches to veteran healthcare.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this petition and helped bring attention to this issue.

Support the Campaign
The Safer Veterans Australia / No More Zombie Veterans campaign is run by veterans and supported by the community.

If you would like to help keep this work going (including education and policy advocacy) please consider becoming a small monthly supporter.

Even $5 or $10 per month helps keep this campaign moving forward.

And please continue sharing this petition so more Australians understand why veterans are asking for safer health options.

The work continues.

Derek Pyrah
RAAF Veteran
Founder – Safer Veterans Australia / No More Zombie Veterans