Better supporting Defence and Veteran wellbeing 12 months on

Today marks one year since the release of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which made 122 recommendations to reform the culture, systems and processes across the Defence and veteran eco-system to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

The Albanese Government has made significant progress in response, with nine recommendations fully implemented and 110 other recommendations underway.

This is the result of intensive and collaborative work across Government, building on the work undertaken on recommendations from the Royal Commission’s Interim Report.

The Government’s focus has been on reforms that address the immediate health and safety of current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families.

This includes establishing a new legislated oversight body, the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission, which the Royal Commission called its most important recommendation. It will commence operations later this month.

Consultation and co-design work on a new agency for veteran wellbeing has been undertaken, and work is underway to establish it next year.

Work has already started on the terms of reference for the recommended inquiry into military sexual misconduct, with research to inform the inquiry also about to start.

This whole-of-Government effort on implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations will continue at pace.

The anniversary coincides with the release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) report on suicide rates among ADF personnel and veterans; a sobering reminder of the importance of implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission as soon as possible.

While one death is too many, it’s encouraging to see the suicide rate for ex-serving personnel has been declining in recent years.

Sadly, suicide remains the leading cause of death for younger and ex-serving members who separate from the ADF involuntarily, with higher rates of suicide than those who separate voluntarily.

This emphasises the importance of implementing Royal Commission recommendations to better support members in their transition as quickly as possible.

The findings of the 2025 AIHW report, together with the recommendations of the Royal Commission will help Defence and DVA better target our support.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh MP:

“The Royal Commission provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity for cultural change and reform. We heard harrowing experiences throughout the three-year inquiry.

“The Albanese Government is implementing meaningful and lasting reform in response to the findings, to be overseen by the statutory Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission.

“Our focus has been, and will continue to be, on improving both the experience of our people and the supports in place for them and their families during and after service.”

MEDIA NOTE: 

Discussion of these issues may be distressing for some people. All serving and former 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, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting www.lifeline.org.au. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports are available on its website at www.aihw.gov.au

The full speech delivered to Parliament on 4 September 2025 is available online at: www.minister.defence.gov.au/speeches/2025-09-04/royal-commission-into-defence-veteran-suicide

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608