Royal Commission completes private sessions with those touched by military suicide

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has completed its final private sessions with past and present Australian Defence Force personnel, as well as Defence families, touched by military suicide.

In total, nearly 900 private sessions have been completed over almost three years – nearly one-third of those in the last six months alone.

Private sessions allow participants to share their powerful, personal stories with a Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner in a safe, confidential setting.

Commission Chair Nick Kaldas said private sessions have played a vital role in the inquiry.

“These sessions have proven essential to focussing our inquiries on the cultural and systemic issues that are failing past and present Defence personnel, and their families, and contributing to this suicide crisis,” Commissioner Kaldas said. “But we also know the validation and healing these sessions have provided to many veterans, and their families, who have been impacted by suicide and suicidality.”

“We are tremendously grateful to all those who have shared their experiences with us. Their insights have helped focus our inquiries and have assisted us to determine areas where we will make recommendations to Government to enable it to address this national tragedy, once and for all.”

In December 2023, the Royal Commission was granted a short three-month extension to ensure, among other things, all outstanding requests for a private session could be met.

A legislative change also allowed for the appointment of two Assistant Commissioners, Bob Atkinson and Dr Susan Young, to assist Commissioners Kaldas, Peggy Brown and James Douglas with their private sessions’ workload.

Assistant Commissioners Atkinson and Young said they have felt privileged to be able to contribute to the work of the Royal Commission.

“We commend the brave people who shared their stories with us. These are challenging accounts to tell, but it’s important the Royal Commission hears how institutions have failed so problems can be addressed in the final report,” Mr Atkinson said.

Dr Young added: “We hope they find some comfort and solace in the knowledge that, while we can’t change their individual experiences, this Royal Commission can lead to meaningful change for current and former ADF personnel.”

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