Saturday Magazine

15 Sep 2024

Saturday 14th September, 2024: Brodie Moore, Heartbreaking truth: Veterans’ Suicide Rates Soar as Systemic Failures Un-covered

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Saturday 14th September, 2024: Brodie Moore, Heartbreaking truth: Veterans’ Suicide Rates Soar as Systemic Failures Un-covered

Macca and Janet speak to Brodie Moore, Veteran and CEO at Medilinks Access, Heartbreaking truth: Veterans’ suicide rates soar as systemic failures un-covered

Brodie enlisted as a Rifleman in the Australian Regular Army at the age of 17.

His service, both domestic and international deployments, instilled in him a strong sense of duty and resilience. After his time in the military, Brodie transitioned to a career in healthcare, earning a Bachelor of Nursing. His work as a Registered Nurse spanned various settings such as Paediatrics, Emergency, and General Practice where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of healthcare needs, particularly for veterans.

Almost 4,400 veterans sought emergency care for self-harm or suicidal thoughts between 2013 and 20201
• Over a quarter (28.9%) of veterans and over a tenth (13.2%) of active ADF members have felt life was not worth
living2
• Run by veterans for veterans, Medilinks Access urges Australians to advocate for better support and reform for
current and former Defence members

Shockingly, nearly all (97%) of those exiting the Defence Forces and claiming through the DVA received an additional reparation
payment recognising Defence mismanagement.

. This payment addressed issues such as witnessed abuse with no action, ignored
complaints, and overlooked incidents, highlighting systemic problems within ADF culture.
The DVA has pushed through 90% of the backlogged claims, however veterans continue to experience considerable delays in claims
processing, with an average wait time of 368 days.

. Extended wait times for assessments is impacted by a severe shortage of
psychiatrists, with an even greater scarcity among those specialising in veteran care6
. These delays exacerbate mental health issues,
prolonging suffering and impeding effective treatment.

In response to this critical need, Medilinks Access underscores the importance of timely mental health services for veterans. Led by
veterans themselves, Medilinks Access offers specialised support to expedite the psychiatric assessment process, ensuring veterans
receive prompt and comprehensive care.

The Royal Commission report highlights the importance of veterans’ sacrifices and emphasises the need for better mental health
support. Medilinks Access is pushing for greater awareness and improved access to psychiatric services to enhance veterans’ wellbeing. For more information, please visit

https://www.medilinks.com.au/