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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Chief of Defence Force to front Royal Commission public hearing

The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, will take the stand as the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide enters its final week of public hearings in Sydney.

The hearing will continue to examine the issues of leadership and accountability with a focus on how the upper echelons of the Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence have responded to a suicide crisis in the military community.

General Campbell previously gave evidence to the Royal Commission in Townsville in June 2022, where he said the ADF “is not doing enough” to address Defence and veteran suicide.

Chair of the Royal Commission Nick Kaldas said it would be an opportunity to ask the General about the cultural and systemic challenges the inquiry had identified within Defence.

“Nearly two years ago, General Campbell admitted Defence was not doing enough to address this national tragedy,” Commissioner Kaldas said. “We’re keen to hear what urgent steps Defence has taken in the intervening period to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for its people,” Mr Kaldas said.

The Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force have previously given evidence at the Sydney hearing.

Commissioner Kaldas said it was refreshing to hear the tri-service chiefs acknowledge suicide and suicidality as a service issue –and speak openly about improvements needed within Defence.

“It was particularly good to hear the Chiefs of Air Force and Navy acknowledge there is a link between what happens during service and the adverse outcomes some experience after they leave the military. This is something Defence has not previously acknowledged, believing that this was a problem mainly for those who have left service and therefore for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.”

General Campbell will appear on Thursday 28 March.

The Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty will appear on Tuesday 26 March, while Associate Secretary Matt Yannopoulos will appear today (Monday 25 March).

The 16-day public hearing will conclude on Thursday.

The Royal Commission is due to deliver its final report to the Governor-General by 9 September this year.