Final Report from veteran-suicide Royal Commission handed down

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report has been delivered to the government and tabled in Parliament today.

Comprising seven volumes and nine parts the Final Report is the culmination of three years of inquiry into the suicide crisis in Australia’s Defence and veteran population.

It includes 122 recommendations to government, which form the Royal Commission’s blueprint for real, meaningful and long-lasting reform.

Commissioners Nick Kaldas, Peggy Brown and James Douglas delivered the Final Report to Governor-General Sam Mostyn at 11:00 am today.

The Report is an important body of work which marks the culmination of the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in the Defence and veteran communities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said that in August 2022, the Interim Report of the Royal Commission was delivered to government, which took swift action on all of its recommendations.

“Our priority is ensuring that those who pursue a career in the Australian Defence Force have a safe and inclusive workplace and are supported from the time they join, through transition, and after service,” Mr Marles said.

“We welcome the Final Report and thank the Commissioners for a thorough and compassionate inquiry.

“I thank the members of our defence force, our veterans and their loved ones who bravely shared their stories with the Royal Commission.

“This has been a thorough inquiry, and we will take the time to carefully consider the recommendations of the Final Report.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said the rate of veteran suicide was a national tragedy and the Royal Commission had played a vital role in learning what could be done better to improve the lives of Defence personnel, veterans and families.

“We’ve acted quickly on the recommendations from the Royal Commission’s Interim Report and I’m pleased that legislation to simplify and harmonise the veteran compensation system is now before the Parliament,” Mr Keogh said.

“I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, sharing their often harrowing stories in the interests of improving things for their mates, and those who will come after them.”

All seven volumes of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide can be found, downloaded and read here.

 

All serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families should know that if they need support they can contact Open Arms for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au

 

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