Tabling of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

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

In August 2022, the Interim Report of the Royal Commission was delivered to government, and we took swift action on all of its recommendations.

These recommendations were centred on the transition of veterans and families including: simplifying and harmonising the claims system and eliminating the backlog we inherited on coming to government, enhancing access to support services and information access for families of those who have taken their lives, including in the transition of veterans to civilian life.

The Albanese Government continues to demonstrate our commitment to improving the welfare of Defence personnel, veterans and their families. We have been working to deliver this real change every day.

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

We welcome the Report and thank the Commissioners for a thorough and compassionate inquiry. We also thank the families and veterans who shared their stories with the Commission. We will now work through the recommendations and provide a formal government response.

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          

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“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.

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

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

“The rate of veteran suicide is a national tragedy and this Royal Commission has played a vital role in learning what can 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.

“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.”

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