A statement from the Chief of The Defence Force, the Secretary of the Department of Defence, and the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide commenced on 8 July 2021. After three years of in-depth, thorough and compassionate inquiry, the Commissioners handed their Final Report to the Governor-General on 9 September 2024.  Today, after considering the 122 recommendations, the Government has responded to the Final Report.

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.

We are committed to working with the Government to enact its response and delivering on the agreed recommendations.

The Royal Commission provided opportunity for us to examine key issues that need to be addressed, to prevent suicide and suicidality in the Defence and veteran community.

We listened to the stories of brave individuals who shared their experience with the Royal Commission. We have listened to the findings and reporting of the Royal Commissioners, including responding to the Commissioners’ recommendations on issues requiring urgent or immediate action, as identified in the Interim Report.

A significant amount of work has already been undertaken and will continue. This includes:

  • reforms to the Military Employment Classification System to provide more options for members who are unable to deploy for medical reasons to continue to serve within the ADF;
  • delivering Defence’s Suicide Prevention Program, including SafeSide Project training specifically designed for Defence personnel, medical officers, mental health professionals, nurse practitioners, chaplains, commanders, managers and other health professionals;
  • eliminating the backlog of unallocated DVA claims identified by the Royal Commission;
  • continuing to improve the timeliness of claims decision making; and
  • introducing legislation to simplify the veteran compensation and rehabilitation system ensuring it is easier to navigate for veterans and their families, along with improving the understanding of support they are entitled to.

We recognise that systemic change is needed with more to be done. 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.

We are prioritising suicide prevention programs, including through the development of the very first joint Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

While we have already started this reform journey based on lessons from the Royal Commission, there is more to do to prevent suicide, support mental health and evolve our culture. We must do more to ensure our people and their families are supported during service and after.

Some of the recommendations are large, complex and intersecting. Elements of reform will take time and this is the start of a multi-year reform process.

We also acknowledge the staff of our Departments who have supported the important work of the Royal Commission over the last three years.

We know these discussions may impact current or former serving ADF members, Defence personnel, and their families who find the issues raised personally challenging.

All 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.

We thank all those involved, including those who bravely shared their stories, for their support and commitment to the important work of the Royal Commission.

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