A Northern Tasmanian woman has told of a Royal Commission hearing of the cruel treatment she endured from the Department of Veteran Affairs following the suicide death of ex-serviceman husband.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Madonna Paul told the commission on Monday that her husband had fought unsuccessfully for a pension from the department after mental impairments endured through his career with the Royal Australian Air Force rendered him unable to work.
She said after he took his own life, the department had refused to assist her with a widow's pension, however, that decision was changed after media exposure.
A veterans advocate later informed her she would be eligible for compensation for her husband's death.
Ms Paul said she eventually received $130,000 compensation, but was forced to pay back $500 a fortnight to offset the pension payments.
She told the commission $220,000 had been repaid so far.
"I am now actually paying for my husband's death," Ms Paul said.
"I am now paying more than they paid me in compensation back to them."
Ms Paul said her husband Michael's mental decline started when he worked at a Queensland base, signing off on aircraft safety.
She said he felt pressured to sign off on aircraft that he didn't believe was safe and feared for people's lives.
READ MORE: Launceston landfill cell wins Earth Award
In 1991, an aircraft from the base went missing with four people onboard.
Ms Paul said after this, his moods became erratic, aggressive and could be violent.
She said he withdrew from parenting and social situations and exhibited a high level of anxiety and paranoia.
Ms Paul said he discharged in 1994 and worked as a sub-contractor on a RAAF base.
"He relaxed a bit and was enjoying being a civilian and the freedoms that come with that," she said.
Ms Paul said her husband had a mental breakdown after he was a passenger in a light aircraft that encountered a storm.
Soon he was unable to work and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ms Paul said Michael applied for a pension through the Veteran Affairs Department, but that was rejected.
She said a suicide attempt led her to make the decision for him not to remain living at the family home for the sake of her children.
Ms said she still acted as his primary carer and delivered anything he needed to a camp site at which he resided.
A property was later purchased for him to live in and attempt to reconnect with his sons.
Ms Paul said DVA's review board reassessed his pension application, but backed the refusal.
She said her husband took his life sometime after that.
Ms Paul said her dealings with her department through her fight for a widow's pension and compensation retraumatised her.
"I don't understand why and I don't understand the politics behind it, but it's a very cruel and inhumane treatment," she said.
- If you have been affected by this story, call Lifeline 13 11 14.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
