Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide extended

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was established on 8 July 2021. It is examining past deaths by suicide, including suspected and attempted suicides, from a systemic perspective.

The date for the Royal Commission to provide its final report has been extended by 12 months, to 17 June 2024. The Royal Commission says this extension is vital to enable it to thoroughly investigate the complex factors that contribute to deaths by suicide.

Following the extension of the Royal Commission, the public can now make submissions until 13 October 2023. Applications for private sessions close on 28 April 2023. The Royal Commission will continue to hold private sessions until at least the end of December 2023.

The Royal Commission is still required to deliver its interim report by 11 August 2022.

Since its establishment, the Royal Commission has been holding public hearings, private sessions, roundtables and community engagement events, to inform its important inquiry.

The Royal Commission has heard evidence from many witnesses, including those with lived experience of Defence and veteran suicide, witnesses with specialist expertise, ex-service organisations and charities, as well as Commonwealth witnesses, including DVA and Defence witnesses.

The Royal Commission is independent of Government, including the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, DVA, and the Department of Defence.

Engagement with the Royal Commission

The Royal Commission's website outlines information about the Royal Commission process, and how to engage with it. This includes, for example, information about when hearings will be held, how to make a submission, and how to contact the Commissioners.

Legal support

The Defence & Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) provides information and legal advice to support Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans, as well as their families, carers and supporters, to safely share their experiences with the Royal Commission. This service is independent – both from the Royal Commission, and from Government, including Defence and DVA. Visit the DAVLS website or call 1800 331 800 to find out more.

Legal financial assistance is also available to eligible individuals and entities to assist with meeting the costs of their legal representation associated with engaging with the Royal Commission. For more information about eligibility for this scheme visit the Attorney-General’s Department website or call 1800 117 995. 

Support

The Royal Commission has trained counsellors available to assist people when they call or engage with the Royal Commission. This includes support before, during and after a person participates in a hearing or private session. People are supported to access longer term existing community supports where needed.

DVA recognises the importance of ensuring that all veterans, especially those who are most vulnerable, and their families, have timely access to appropriate counselling support. Separate to the support provided by the Royal Commission to those engaging with it, veterans and their families can continue to contact Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling for free support and counselling available 24/7, or Safe Zone Support for free support and counselling available 24/7 for those who wish to remain anonymous.

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