Royal Commission releases special book honouring lived experience
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has published a special book honouring the contribution of people with lived experience of military suicide to this landmark inquiry.
Commissioners Nick Kaldas, Peggy Brown and James Douglas presented the book, ‘Shining A Light: Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing’, to the Governor-General before it was tabled by Government in Federal Parliament.
The book, authored by military historian Patrick Lindsay AM, shines a light on the deeply personal experiences of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and their loved ones, who have been touched by military suicide and suicidal behaviour – as shared in some of the 5,889 formal submissions received by the Royal Commission. It comprises their stories of trauma and tragedy, hope and healing.
The book aims to provide a greater understanding of the unique sacrifices made by those who serve our country, and their families – and supports the need for real and meaningful change to address the national crisis of Defence and veteran suicide, once and for all.
Commissioner Brown said lived experience has been at the heart of the Royal Commission since it commenced its important work almost three years ago:
This Royal Commission would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of those people with lived experience of military suicide who have shown tremendous strength and courage to come forward and share their insights with us.
Their stories have often been confronting but absolutely necessary for us to hear because they have shone a bright light in dark places – allowing us to focus our inquiries on the complex cultural and systemic issues which are failing past and present service personnel, and their families, while also recognising their recovery and resilience.
Topics canvassed in the book include recruitment and training, service experience, leadership and its impact, mental health, families, the transition to civilian life, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The overwhelming majority of submissions relating to DVA highlighted the difficulties that veterans and their families have experienced in dealing with the Department.
Patrick Lindsay is an acclaimed author, journalist, filmmaker and military historian who has written extensively about Australia’s involvement in armed conflicts, as well as the experience of modern veterans and their transition to civilian life. He said he was honoured to contribute to the Royal Commission’s work:
Uncovering the many complex issues contributing to Defence and veteran suicide has been a mammoth task for this Royal Commission,” Mr Lindsay said. “The deeply personal stories contained in the book illustrate the complexity and scale of the national crisis this Royal Commission is seeking to address once and for all.
I’m honoured to have been asked to contribute to this important work through this very special book, which I hope will open Australia’s eyes to the significant challenges confronting serving and ex-serving ADF members on a daily basis.
Commissioner Brown said the book also serves as a reminder of the unique sacrifice not only of those who serve in our Navy, Army and Air Force but also of their families:
It was appropriate to recognise and pay tribute to their stories through this special publication which we hope will be the catalyst for a greater understanding of the sacrifices made by those who defend our country – and their loved ones – and for real and lasting change.