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News and Media

Media releases

Veterans’ Affairs Secretary to front Royal Commission hearings in Adelaide

The public hearing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will inquire into past Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) initiatives to reduce claim times, Defence’s management of organisational change and veterans’ mental health, when it continues in Adelaide this week.
The hearing room lined with purple chairs facing the Commissioner’s table

Royal Commission raises 'serious questions' about Defence action to prevent suicide

The Chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide said the inquiry continues to uncover evidence that raises “serious questions” about what is being done to prevent past and present Australian Defence Force personnel taking their lives. The inquiry’s tenth public hearing, which began in Adelaide today (Monday 17 July), will focus on safe workplaces – and examine how aspects of military life, such as leadership, postings and promotions, deployment and career management, can impact the mental health and wellbeing of ADF members, and their families.
Commissioner Kaldas delivering the opening address

Royal Commission Adelaide hearing to examine impact of military service on families

The impact of postings and relocation on the wellbeing of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families will be examined at a public hearing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which begins tomorrow (Monday 17 July) in Adelaide.
Adelaide Railway Station at sunset

Royal Commission to engage with Adelaide community ahead of eight-day public hearing

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has arrived in Adelaide, with Commissioners and staff to meet local serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members ahead of a public hearing which starts next week (Monday 17 July).
A pathway in Adelaide at dusk, with a stadium building in the distance.

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.

Contact

For media enquiries, email DVSRC.media@royalcommission.gov.au or call a media officer on 0413 034 808 or 0499 895 319.