New framework for veteran suicide prevention

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide called for new approaches to reducing the unacceptable rates of suicide among our veterans.

Today, the Albanese Government is announcing a first-of-its kind Suicide Prevention Framework to help veterans experiencing crisis access consistent, military-aware support wherever, and whenever, they seek help.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs, suicide prevention organisations, medical professionals and other support bodies each have unique strengths in how they provide support to veterans and their families.

The Framework will be a single source of best-practice support available to mainstream and veteran-specific suicide prevention services to ensure there is no wrong door for veterans and their families to go through when accessing help.

The Framework is the result of extensive consultation with veterans, bereaved families, carers, health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention organisations and Defence.

Defence service is unique in nature, and the Framework presents a military and veteran-informed, trauma-driven structure focused on three goals: the prevention of the onset of suicidal behaviour, crisis intervention and postvention care.

Aligning with the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035, the Framework is a resource for a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to veteran suicide reduction.

The Framework responds directly to Royal Commission Recommendations 76 and 77, supporting the improvement of postvention supports within the Defence and veteran community.

For more information, visit the Suicide Prevention Framework page on the DVA website.

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

“The Framework is one of the foundations we are putting into place to help reduce the unacceptable rate of suicide among our veterans.

“There’s deep individual expertise within DVA, mainstream suicide prevention organisations, the medical profession and researchers about how to support veterans and their families through crisis.

“The Framework is a first-of-its-kind way of bringing that expertise together and applying it in a way that respects the unique nature of military service.

“For veterans and their families, that will mean they get the best of military-aware support wherever and whenever they seek help.”

Quotes attributable to National Suicide Prevention Office Director, Michael Cook:

“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is the first Commonwealth Government department or agency to develop a dedicated suicide prevention plan following the release of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy at the beginning of the year. This demonstrates the growing focus on suicide prevention across all areas of Government.

“The Framework combines our understanding of best-practice suicide prevention, with the unique needs and circumstances of veterans and their families to ensure a tailored, evidence-based approach.

“The Framework will help improve connection between Veteran-specific supports, and suicide prevention services available across the country.

Once realised, the Framework will help veterans and their families experience a more coordinated approach, one that ensures choice and access to compassionate, fit-for-purpose supports over the life course regardless of where they live, or where they choose to turn for help.”

Quotes attributable to Lifeline Chief Research Office, Anna Brooks:

“DVA’s Suicide Prevention Framework and Implementation Plan is a terrific piece of work.

“The Framework and Plan champions a transformational approach to suicide prevention across governments and communities.

“Lifeline Australia acknowledges the unique nature of military service, and its ongoing impacts on mental health, wellbeing and risk of suicide. We are committed to supporting and serving those whose roles are - or have been - to serve the nation.

“The recognition of this unique experience in the Framework lays the groundwork for the delivery of tailored supports that both help prevent veterans reaching suicidal crisis and fully support those who do.

“The Framework and Plan have a clear-eyed focus on improving outcomes for the ADF community.  DVA has layered a tailored approach to supporting Veterans, their families and carers, onto population-level approaches to suicide prevention. This approach is ground-breaking.”

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