Joint Communique - Veterans' Ministerial Council

Federal, State and Territory Ministers responsible for veterans’ matters met today to discuss how they can best work together to implement the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The rate of veteran suicide is a national tragedy, and there is no time to waste in taking action on the recommendations of the Royal Commission. 

The Council was briefed on the Response, in which the Australian Government agreed or agreed in principle to 104 of the Royal Commission’s 122 recommendations. 

An additional 17 recommendations were noted for further work, while only one recommendation was not agreed to in part. Of the 17 recommendations noted for further work, five specifically refer to work to be considered in collaboration with the states and territories. 

The Council agreed the Response will involve the most comprehensive reform of the culture, systems and processes supporting Defence personnel, veterans and veteran families ever undertaken. 

In response to Recommendation 122 of the Final Report, for a new independent oversight body, the Albanese Government will prioritise the establishment of the Defence and Veterans Services Commission by September 2025, to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem.

In the immediate term, a new taskforce will be established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), to provide advice to Government on implementing the reforms over the short and long term, while prioritising the health and safety of Defence personnel and veterans.

The federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs will consult with the veteran community on a new agency focused on veteran wellbeing and continue consultation on a peak body for ex-service organisations.

For recommendations involving the states and territories, further work will be undertaken through the Commonwealth, State and Territory Committee and the new PM&C taskforce.

The Ministers agreed to work collaboratively on implementing the recommendations through the Commonwealth, State and Territory Committee, and to improve services and support for the veteran community across the nation.

Friday 13 December 2024

Ministerial attendees

• Australian Government (Chair): The Hon Matt Keogh MP
• New South Wales: The Hon David Harris MP 
• Northern Territory: The Hon Jinson Charles MLA 
• Australian Capital Territory: Ms Suzanne Orr MLA
• Queensland: Ms Janette Poole MP
• South Australia: The Hon Mr Joe Szakacs MP
• Tasmania: The Hon Jacquie Petrusma MP 
• Victoria: The Hon Natalie Suleyman MP
• Western Australia: The Hon Paul Papalia MLA

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