Broken veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder should be better protected when questioned by police so they are given the psychological help they need rather than being locked up.
The state opposition is calling for stressed veterans to be classified as “vulnerable persons” so they are given access to legal help before they are questioned – just like children and Indigenous people are.
“All of this could have been avoided if the police had stopped the interview and contacted a lawyer” – RSL NSW chief executive officer Glenn Kolomeitz
Shadow veterans affairs minister Guy Zangari is calling for changes to the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Legislation, because there are no protections for veterans diagnosed as suffering PTSD as a result of active service.
“There is ample evidence to show many veterans suffering PTSD find it difficult to represent themselves properly when arrested. They need to be protected by the system, not crushed by it,” he said.
Read more in Brisbane Times.
