A Canberra Liberals government will increase access to services which support veterans and their families in the ACT that includes a specific veterans community facility.

Leader Elizabeth Lee said the Canberra Liberals will also deliver a northside memorial, a veterans expo, a grants program, and the establishment of a veteran community co-ordinator and wellbeing network online portal.

“There are over 22,000 veterans in the ACT, and the Canberra Liberals value and respect the contributions our veterans have made and are continuing to make to our community. We are committed to delivering adequate support for our veterans,” Ms Lee said.

“These commitments will be on top of the existing measures already in place and will go a long way in supporting the large number of veterans living in the ACT.

“The Canberra Liberals will work with veterans’ organisations and provide a facility for veterans groups to meet which will include counselling meetings rooms and larger spaces for meetings, band practice and the like, along with a permanent home for the South Canberra Veterans shed with a workshop space.

“It is also important to continue to deliver the annual Veterans Expo as well as the annual veterans grant program which will form part of the Canberra Liberals’ commitment.

Shadow Minister for Seniors and Veterans Nicole Lawder, who will make the announcement at the Veterans Expo today said there is a need for greater coordination and collaboration within the veteran support sector.

“That is why we have committed to establish a Veteran Community Coordinator that will liaise with and encourage collaboration and coordination between veteran organisations,” Ms Lawder said.

“This will minimise duplication of effort, facilitate conversations on veteran policy and promote the services provided by each organisation to make it easier for veterans to access the service best suited to their needs.

“The online portal will also provide a single point for veterans and the community to search for veterans’ support services and veteran support organisations operating in and servicing the ACT.

“The Canberra Liberals are committed to providing support for the ACT veteran community and these measures will go a long way in achieving that,” Ms Lawder concluded.