Government promises 'real and meaningful' reform in wake of Defence & Veteran Suicide Royal Commission

The Federal Government has formally responded to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and has agreed or agreed in principle with 104 of the 122 recommendations.

Promising “real, meaningful and enduring reform for Defence personnel, veterans and families”, the government has undertaken to conduct comprehensive reform to the culture, systems and processes across Defence, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

Of the remaining 18 recommendations, the government set aside 17 for further consideration, and one is not supported in part.

It described the royal commission as the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities.

Established in July 2021, the royal commission was headed by former NSW deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas.

In its three years, it heard evidence about the cultural problems within the ADF, and identified deficiencies with the approach, services and support of DVA. There were also claims that Defence and government officials had at times worked to prevent the royal commission from accessing documents it needed.

The royal commission wrapped up its hearings in April 2024, and its final report was delivered to the Governor General in September. It found that more than 2000 serving or former defence personnel have died by suicide since 1985, and noted that this figure is likely a significant underestimate.

In line with the royal commission’s recommendations, the government says it will establish a new statutory entity to oversee enduring and systemic reform. It says this entity will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to improve suicide prevention, and that an interim head will be appointed as soon as possible to establish a legislated oversight body by September next year.

It will also establish a taskforce within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that will draw in expertise from across government as well as external experts to consider matters of detailed implementation.

DVA will design a new agency focused on wellbeing within the department, with input from the veteran community. DVA will also be funded to continue consultation on the development of a national ex-service organisation peak body.

The government will also establish a formal inquiry into military sexual violence in the ADF, with the terms of reference and timing of the investigation yet to be determined.

It will also introduce legislation that will allow the ADF to adopt a policy of mandatory discharge for ADF members convicted of sexual and related offences. The Chief of Defence will also direct that anyone in the ADF who is found to have engaged in certain forms of sexual misconduct – including but not limited to sexual harassment, intimate image abuse and stalking – will be discharged.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said too many lives had been lost.

“Every single one is heartbreaking,” he said. “Today I want to acknowledge every family and friend grieving the loss of a loved one.

“We called for this royal commission in Opposition, and we supported it in government.

“Today’s response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission is a historic opportunity to deliver lasting reform and support our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the death by suicide of any Australian, including veterans and serving Defence personnel, is a national tragedy.

“Implementing the royal commission’s recommendations is not a simple task, but it is essential,” he said.

“The Albanese Government’s Response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission is our plan for systemic and enduring reform to make sure we are supporting our Defence and veteran communities.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh thanked those who came forward and bravely told their story to the royal commission.

“Your courage and the royal commission’s work directs the necessary change needed to save lives,” he said.

“The government’s response to the royal commission will deliver changes in Defence and DVA that will improve the lives of serving personnel, veterans and families today and into the future.”

In a joint statement, Chief of Defence Force Admiral David Johnston, Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty and Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Alison Frame said the royal commission had provided an opportunity to prevent suicide and suicidality in the Defence and veteran community.

“The death by suicide of any ADF member or veteran is a tragedy, one felt deeply by their families, the ADF, the veteran community and the wider community,” the statement reads. “We are committed to working with the government to enact its response and delivering on the agreed recommendations.

“We recognise that systemic change is needed with more to be done,” it adds.

“The government’s response is our guidance for real, meaningful and enduring reform to not only address suicide in the Defence and veteran community, but to improve veteran wellbeing in many other aspects.”

If this story has raised any issues or caused distress, contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or visit Open Arms, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting Lifeline.

Original Article published by Andrew McLaughlin on PS News.