Report on Defence and veteran suicide released

A report has been released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) into the deaths by suicide of current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who have served at least one day in the ADF since 1 January 1985 and have died by suicide between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2020. 

The report, Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985 suicide monitoring: 1997 to 2020, found there were 1,600 deaths by suicide among this group.

The 2022 report included an expanded study period of a further five years since the 2021 report, which looked at the period from 2001 to 2019. While the study period has increased, the report’s findings are broadly consistent with previous years in terms of those groups that are considered more at-risk than the general population, for example those who discharge involuntarily on medical grounds, younger men, early leavers from service and those of all ranks other than commissioned officer.

The death by suicide of any veteran or Defence member is a tragedy and is deeply felt by the whole community. The Australian Government is committed to making every possible effort to prevent further tragedies. The work of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is critical to understanding and addressing the causes of deaths by suicide.

Support is available for those who need it.  Current and former serving members of the ADF who have completed one day of full-time service are eligible for free mental health treatment for life through the Non-Liability Health Care program. Some reservists are also eligible. You do not need to prove that your condition is related to military service and there is no need to submit a claim for compensation.

Immediate financial assistance is also available to veterans submitting mental health claims through the Veteran Payment, and additionally veterans can also access health treatment for the 20 most commonly claimed physical conditions while their mental health claim is being considered.

Current serving personnel, veterans and families who are experiencing concerns about their mental health are encouraged to reach out for support.

• Defence personnel can contact their local health centre, the All Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
• Veterans and their families can also access support through Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling Service. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 1800 011 046.

For more information and to read the full report, visit the AIHW website.