Australian Story: Apr 9

Monday’s Australian Story profiles former military commando Mick Bainbridge who, after struggling with PTSD, is now helping other veterans.

“When the War Is Over” is introduced by Archibald prize-winning artist Ben Quilty.

“The fact that Mick had been in second commando unit meant that he was someone, he was really someone. And when I met him he was a broken no-one.” Ben Quilty

“It’s easy to call someone crazy to discredit them, but I knew what my rights were, and I dug my heels in I was fighting for my rights. I was fighting as hard as I could .” Former commando, Mick Bainbridge

After five overseas deployments, former commando Mick Bainbridge was left battling a crippling case of PTSD.

When Mick sought support from his command to move to a training role he says was told to go back to Afghanistan or leave the Army altogether.

Former Senator Jacqui Lambie, who has followed Mick’s case, is incensed by his treatment.

“I have had many veterans come to me because they have been done over not just by Defence but by the Department of Veterans Affairs. What happened to Mick was even more outrageous. He had been completely done over.” Former Senator Jacqui Lambie

A bitter battle for entitlements ensued which Mick says culminated in a malicious report to police that triggered a terrifying raid on his home.

Already enrolled in a law degree, Mick decided that instead of getting mad he would get even, employing his new-found knowledge to take on the system.

Now as the NSW RSL’s youngest councillor ever, he’s using his legal skills to help other veterans fight for their rights.

“We desperately want to curb and stop the suicide rate. I’m not going to stop until I do,” Mick Bainbridge says.

8pm Monday on ABC.