Publications
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was established on 8 July 2021 as an inquiry into the overrepresentation of serving and ex-serving Defence members in deaths by suicide in Australia. As per the Letters Patent, the Commissioners submitted an interim report on 11 August 2022 and a final report with their recommendations on 9 September 2024. These reports were tabled in the Australian Parliament and are publicly available. They outline the results of the Royal Commission's investigation and the Commissioner's recommendations.
On 20 June 2024, the Royal Commission also delivered to the Governor-General a special book, ‘Shining a Light: Stories of Trauma and Tragedy, Hope and Healing’, showcasing the lived experience of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and their loved ones, who have been touched by suicide. This book was tabled in Parliament and subsequently released publicly.
In addition to these three major publications, the Royal Commission released papers, research reports, overviews of roundtable discussions and other documents over the course of its inquiries. These publications were relevant to the Royal Commission's inquiries and in line with our terms of reference.
The Royal Commission also included, alongside our own publications, a number of external reports focused on issues faced by serving and ex-serving Defence members and their families. These significant reports were tendered as exhibits during public hearings the Royal Commission conducted.
Final Report – all volumes
The Final Report of the Royal Commission is the culmination of three years of inquiry into the suicide crisis in Australia’s Defence and veteran population. It comprises seven volume and nine parts – and contains the Commission’s analysis of complex cultural and systemic issues relevant to suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. The Final Report also includes 122 recommendations to Government, which form the Royal Commission’s blueprint for real, meaningful and long-lasting reform.