A Landmark Moment for Veterans: The Royal Commission Report on Suicide
The final landmark report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was handed down today, marking a critical turning point for addressing suicides within Australia’s Defence and veteran communities. With staggering statistics and 122 recommendations, this report represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reform a system that has left thousands of veterans in crisis.
Shocking Statistics and the Need for Urgent Change
According to the Royal Commission’s findings, at least 1,677 Defence personnel and veterans died by suicide between 1997 and 2021. These numbers underscore a tragic reality: Australia’s veterans are facing an urgent mental health crisis. The Commission’s inquiry found that one veteran interacts with emergency services for a suicide-related issue every four hours, revealing the severity of the situation.
Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell was among the hundreds of witnesses who gave evidence over the public hearings.
DF Secretary Greg Moriarty during the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Commission chair Nick Kaldas has called the report a “once-in-a-lifetime” chance to save lives, urging both the current and future governments to act on the recommendations swiftly.
The three-year inquiry identified cultural, structural, and systemic issues within Australia’s Defence forces that have contributed to the alarming rates of suicide. Submissions from nearly 6,000 current and former Defence personnel painted a troubling picture of widespread institutional failures, bullying, and abuse. Veterans often faced inadequate support when transitioning to civilian life, leading to further emotional and psychological trauma.
Chief among the recommendations is the establishment of a permanent oversight body to ensure the implementation of reforms. This is critical, as previous inquiries into Defence suicides have not resulted in significant improvements.
A Path Forward: Key Recommendations
The final report offers 122 recommendations aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of both serving and ex-serving personnel. These include creating better support systems during the transition to civilian life, addressing the disciplinary systems that have been weaponized against veterans, and improving the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims processes.
Amy Cooper, CEO of Soldier On, expressed optimism that the recommendations would generate momentum for real change. She emphasized the importance of providing consistent support to Defence personnel throughout their service and into civilian life, noting that families should also be included in support networks.
By Amy Cooper, CEO of Soldier On
Government Response: Obligation to Act
Despite the severity of the findings, there is hope that this report will finally catalyze meaningful action. Commissioner Kaldas made it clear that the problems highlighted by the Royal Commission are undeniable and must be addressed immediately. With 57 previous inquiries over the past 20-30 years and 770 recommendations, the rates of suicide have remained unchanged. The Commission’s final report serves as a clarion call to break this cycle of inaction.
A Call for Change
The Royal Commission’s findings have the potential to reshape the way Australia supports its Defence personnel and veterans. As more voices demand action, the challenge for the government is to ensure these recommendations are implemented with urgency and care.
For more information on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, visit NewsWire.
I Alex Turner am the sports columnist and Premier League beat writer for GlobeJournal.co.uk. I’ve been with GlobeJournal since the days when dial-up internet was still a thing, but not as long as David Beckham has been a football icon. I’ve shared a pint with legends and had fish and chips with the locals. Well, only the fish and chips part is true. I am the most unpretentiously engaging columnist in the UK, and perhaps the world. To verify that, please contact my representation.
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