2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

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CHAPTER SIX: PEOPLE
with their lives. Defence understands that actions against perpetrators of
abuse are a clear indication of the organisation’s commitment to defend
the rights of Defence members. There will be a continued emphasis on
identifying and dealing with perpetrators of abuse.
Looking after our people
6.39 The Government is committed to providing members of the ADF with
leading health care. The Government recognises that new approaches
are needed to properly care for our ADF members throughout their
career, in particular those who have been wounded or injured or who fall
ill in the course of their service to our country.
SECTION TWO CAPABILITY
6.40 A new $133 million Defence eHealth System has been launched, linking
ADF members’ health data from recruitment to discharge and enabling
better continuity of health care for all Defence personnel. Defence will
improve the operation of this system by incorporating the pre-2014
paper-based health records of ADF members into the new electronic
system, making them accessible wherever they serve. This process
will take a number of years to complete. To support improved health
services, additional military medical officers will be available at major
ADF bases.
6.41 The mental health of our people in Defence is as important as their
physical health. We now better understand the impact Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder is having on serving members, their families and loved
ones. This impact can affect members and their families both during
and following their service. Defence will continue to improve the use of
screening, education and awareness programs to care for and support
Defence members seeking help as early as possible, and will provide
additional resources for more specialist medical mental health care.
6.42 In 2014, the Government established a program where the Department
of Veterans’ Affairs will pay for treatment for any ADF member with