Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

The Final Report is now available

Commissioners Nick Kaldas (Chair), Peggy Brown and James Douglas delivered the Final Report to the Governor-General on Monday 9 September. It includes 122 recommendations for reform.

Read the Final Report

The Final Report is now available

Commissioners Nick Kaldas (Chair), Peggy Brown and James Douglas delivered the Final Report to the Governor-General on Monday 9 September. It includes 122 recommendations for reform.

Read the Final Report

If you are seeking urgent or crisis support please reach out to a crisis service.

Learn more about the Final Report

The Final Report is a substantial technical document that includes the Royal Commission's findings and recommendations. There are a number of resources available to help members of the public read and understand the Final Report, including a complete list of recommendations, factsheets, a guide to the Final Report, infographics and an Easy Read guide. These resources can be downloaded and shared with your community, stakeholders or friends and family.

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Research

Our research program has helped identify and examine systemic, structural and cultural issues related to serving and ex-serving Defence member suicide

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Resources

We've created a number of resources to help you learn more about the Royal Commission

Exhibits

We have published thousands of exhibits referenced during our inquiries and in the Final Report

Announcement

On 8 July 2021, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), issued Letters Patent, which established the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Letters patent set out the Royal Commission’s terms of reference, which include inquiring into the systemic issues and risk factors relevant to suicide and suicide behaviours of serving and ex-serving Defence members.

Nick Kaldas APM, the Hon James Douglas KC, and Dr Peggy Brown AO were appointed as Royal Commissioners. They delivered an interim report on 11 August 2022 and a final report on 9 September 2024.

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Interim Report and response

The Royal Commission's Interim Report was delivered to the Governor-General on 11 August 2022

Counselling & support

There are counselling and support services available

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Livestreams

Watch videos of all public hearings

Watch the Ceremonial Closing recording

The Ceremonial Closing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was held in Sydney on Wednesday 28 August 2024. The Ceremonial Closing was an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve heard and learned, and the stories that have been shared with the Royal Commission over the past three years. The Commissioners, Senator Jacqui Lambie and author Patrick Lindsay AM spoke during special event, sharing their insights and calling for action.

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