Originally published by The West Australian.
27.06.2026
Hancock Prospecting, owned by Gina Rinehart, has launched a commendable corporate social responsibility initiative to provide residential accommodation for homeless veterans (News, 25/6).
This recognises that the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation do not end with their military service.
Each year, approximately 6000 former Australian Defence Force personnel experience homelessness — a crisis in which they are nearly three times more likely to lack stable housing than the general population.
Many veterans face significant challenges, including trauma, mental health struggles, and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life.
While their experiences are often beyond our grasp, the toll on their wellbeing is profound.
Mrs Rinehart is providing secure housing that offers more than mere shelter — it restores dignity, security, and hope to those who have served our country.
This initiative sends a clear message that veterans must not face homelessness or hardship alone, while setting a positive example for other businesses and community members.
This highlights that substantive support is more effective than merely acknowledging veterans’ struggles.
The Albanese Government has a duty of care to protect our veterans — therefore, we must support Mrs Rinehart’s call to urgently address veteran homelessness and improve support services. More corporations should step forward to help build a culture of respect, gratitude, and responsibility towards those who have served our nation.
Addressing veteran homelessness is more than an act of charity — it reflects our collective appreciation, and moral obligation to support those who sacrificed for our freedoms.
O. Brown, Hillarys
Repaying their sacrifice
It’s really lovely to see Gina Rinehart opening accommodation for veterans and recognising the service and sacrifice they have made for our country.
It was also encouraging to see Ben Roberts-Smith acknowledged and his parents included in the opening event. Given the amount of public scrutiny he has faced in recent months, it was a very thoughtful and honourable gesture.
It does, though, raise the important question, why can’t governments make greater use of existing defence barracks that are being sold off?
Surely some of these facilities could be repurposed to provide housing and support for veterans in need?
Good work all around. It’s lovely to see support being shown for our defence personnel and veterans who have given so much in service and sacrifice to Australia.
Vicky Stevens, Scarborough
