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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Royal Commission renews calls for Government, Defence to support urgent change

Editor's Note: Vision of the Commissioners meeting with serving ADF members during a recent visit to HMAS Penguin, Sydney, is available on YouTube.

The Chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has urged Government and Defence to see the inquiry as an opportunity to drive long-overdue reform.

The inquiry's 12th and final public hearing, which began in Sydney today (Monday 4 March), will focus on the core themes of leadership and accountability, while examining issues around toxic culture and occupational stressors within the Defence Force.

The inquiry will also continue to explore cultural, systemic and structural issues within the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) that continue to obstruct veterans' timely access to support.

In his opening address, Commission Chair Nick Kaldas said the inquiry wants to see a sustainable, strong and resilient Defence Force.

"We again urge the Prime Minister, relevant ministers and the leadership of Defence and DVA to see this Royal Commission as an opportunity to drive the long overdue change that is required to ensure serving and ex-serving ADF members – and their families – have the support they need and deserve,” Commissioner Kaldas said.

Mr Kaldas acknowledged the progress made by DVA, in response to the Royal Commission's interim report, to significantly reduce the backlog of unprocessed claims; however, he noted the inquiry was looking at problems beyond the claims backlog.

“We have uncovered a range of cultural, systemic and structural issues [inside DVA] that need to be urgently addressed.”

Over the next four weeks, the Royal Commission will hear from a number of senior leaders in Government and Defence, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. the Hon Richard Marles MP; Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP; Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO DSC; and the Chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force.

Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission, Erin Longbottom KC, said the inquiry will again hear from veterans and family members who have grappled with military suicide and suicidality.

"The perspectives of these witnesses with lived experience has, and continues to be, invaluable in understanding the underlying causes of this complex problem and the magnitude of its impact," Ms Longbottom KC told the hearing.

At least 1,677 reported 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 hearing will conclude on 28 March. The Royal Commission is due to deliver its final report to the Governor-General by 9 September this year.