The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide concluded with the delivery of its Final Report on 9 September 2024. All enquiries should now be directed to the Attorney-General's Department. See the contact page for more information.

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Defence, Veterans’ Affairs ministers to front final public hearing in Sydney

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will take the stand this week at the final public hearings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The four-week hearing will continue to examine the deep-rooted cultural and systemic challenges within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) that are contributing to high rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour among serving and ex-serving Defence personnel.

At least 1,677 deaths by suicide have been recorded between 1997 and 2021 among Australian veterans who served on or after 1 January 1985 – more than 20-times the number killed in active service over roughly the same period.

The inquiry will also hear from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP; the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO DSC; the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN; and the chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force.

The secretaries of the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, as well as the CEO of Comcare will also give evidence.

Royal Commission Chair Nick Kaldas said the long-running inquiry has identified the key cultural, systemic and structural issues that are contributing to a national crisis.

“This final public hearing is an opportunity to hear from senior Ministers and the leadership of the ADF, Defence and DVA about what steps they’re taking to address these serious challenges”, Commissioner Kaldas said.

“We particularly look forward to hearing from both the Defence and Veterans’ Affairs Minister, who have not previously appeared before us at a public hearing.

“It’s an opportunity for us to ask questions of Government and military leaders about the compelling evidence we have heard over the past few years and provide them an opportunity to respond.”

Commissioner Kaldas reiterated the Royal Commission was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive long-overdue change to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Defence personnel.

“Our recommendations will help our Defence Force to become an ‘employer of choice’ that fosters a strong ‘people-first’ culture and prioritises the health and wellbeing of its employees, so it can recruit and retain the best people.”

The Commission received 5,889 submissions during its formal consultation period – 1,360 of those from New South Wales.

The Royal Commission’s twelfth and final public hearing will conclude on Thursday 28 March, with its final report due to the Governor-General by Monday 9 September this year.