News and Media

Media releases

Defence slow to act on suicides: Royal Commission Chair

The Chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide says senior leaders in Defence must adopt a more urgent approach to addressing suicide within their ranks.
Photo of Commissioner Nick Kaldas speaking

HMAS Stirling a focus as Perth hearing enters second week

The health and wellbeing of navy personnel at Fleet Base West, near Perth, will come into focus as the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s ninth public hearing resumes today (Monday 22 May 2023).
Commissioners Brown and Kaldas speaking with ADF staff in white uniforms

Fixing cultural, systemic issues vital to Australia’s defence capability, Commission hears

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has heard addressing entrenched issues impacting the mental health and wellbeing of ADF members is fundamental to Australia’s future defence capability.
The Commissioners listening intently in the Hearing room

Royal Commission to examine Defence leadership and accountability at Perth public hearing

Leadership and accountability among senior Defence personnel will be examined at a public hearing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which begins today (Tuesday 16 May) in Perth.
A cyclist riding their bike on a peer around the Perth waterfront

Serving, ex-serving ADF members and their families share stories in private sessions

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is continuing to learn from the deeply personal experiences of current and former serving ADF members, their families and friends through private sessions.
A person with their hands in their lap being comforted by another

Royal Commission calls for census to capture more data on veterans

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide says additional data, if captured in the next Census, could be used to better support our diggers and their families.

Six months until submissions close, Adelaide and Melbourne hearing dates announced

Current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have six months left to make a submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. It comes as the inquiry announces dates for its public hearings in Adelaide, from 17 July 2023, and Melbourne, from 28 August 2023.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide’s logo

New laws boost protections for people to engage with Royal Commission

New laws further strengthen protections for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who wish to safely share their stories with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Photo of protection fact sheets on a table

Call for ADF members in WA to make a submission

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is encouraging submissions from serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members in Western Australia, ahead of a Perth public hearing commencing on 15 May.
Media release thumbnail Perth

Stronger protections for serving ADF members, public servants who provide information to Royal Commission

Serving and ex-serving ADF members and public servants who share information with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will receive stronger protections under a new agreement signed with key government agencies.

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

Contact

For media enquiries, email DVSRC.media@royalcommission.gov.au or call a media officer on 0459 935 502 or 0499 895 319.