Royal Commissioners call on Australians to ‘fight for our veterans’ ahead of Final Report

'It's now time to fight for our veterans'. That's the message to all Australians from the three Royal Commissioners who've spearheaded a three-year inquiry into the suicide crisis within the nation's Defence and veteran population.

Mr Nick Kaldas APM, Dr Peggy Brown AO and The Hon. James Douglas KC will deliver the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to the Governor-General on Monday 9 September. 

It will mark the culmination of an exhaustive examination of the cultural and systemic issues that are failing past and present Australian Defence Force members, and their families – and contributing to what is a national tragedy.

At least 1,677 serving and ex-serving Defence personnel died by suicide between 1997 and 2021 – that's more than 20-times the number killed in active duty over the same period. On average, there have been three suicides each fortnight over the past decade. 

Speaking at today's Ceremonial Closing of the landmark inquiry, Commissioner Kaldas said Government must now accept the undeniable evidence presented to the Royal Commission and act.

"We call on this government and succeeding governments to finally take the courageous step of overruling bureaucratic inertia and doing what is needed, what is necessary and what is right," Commissioner Kaldas said.

"The men and women of the ADF have done all we ever asked of them. They have worn the uniform, many have gone where angels fear to tread, and too many have paid a very dear price, up to the ultimate sacrifice. Our nation is indebted to them and that debt must be now be repaid."

The Royal Commission has identified at least 57 previous inquiries or reviews relating to Defence and veteran suicide over the last 20 to 30 years, which resulted in some 770 recommendations for change.

Despite this, there has been no improvement in military suicide rates and the senseless loss of life continues today.

In her closing speech, Commissioner Brown said history shows that the ADF and the Departments of Defence and Veterans' Affairs cannot be trusted to solve these issues themselves.

"We have seen too often that Defence's default position is to defend Defence, and too much evidence of 'busy work' at both Defence and DVA giving the appearance of implementing change, when in reality they have only served to perpetuate old ways of operating," Commissioner Brown said.

"In the last six months, we have at last heard senior Defence leaders acknowledge the nexus between service and the risk of suicide, and commit to change. We now need them to deliver on their newly gained insights, remembering their people are their greatest asset."

The Royal Commission has already flagged the need for a powerful new oversight body to monitor the implementation of its recommendations.

Commissioner Douglas has told today's event such a body would evaluate the outcomes of the Royal Commission to ensure its recommendations were delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members – and driving downs rates of suicide and suicidality among the Defence and veteran population.

"By embracing change and monitoring and reporting against the issue, those in command and our support services can help better equip future generations of the Australian Defence Force physically, mentally and emotionally," Commissioner Douglas said.

"This will not only benefit the ADF and national security, but the Australian families who support our military in making their inestimable sacrifices for our country."

Today's Ceremonial Closing of the Royal Commission was attended by Government and military officials, including the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, The Hon Matt Keogh MP; the Chief of Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston; Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman; the Chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force; as well as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, Alison Frame.

Alongside the dignitaries were many of the lived experience witnesses who bravely gave evidence during the Royal Commission, as well as many of those who campaigned long and hard for the landmark inquiry.

As the Royal Commission draws to a close, Commissioner Brown said it's now time for all Australians to stand up and play their part in addressing Defence and veteran suicide.

"Our service personnel and veterans have fought for you, the people of Australia! It's now time to reciprocate and fight for them. Support the veterans in your community (and their families). Don't just think about them on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day," she said.

"Make sure you keep abreast of the recommendations made by this Royal Commission and whether the necessary level of change is happening. Let your local member know you'll be watching."