fbpx
Friday, March 29, 2024

Veteran suicide royal commission call for those touched by tragedy

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is set to hold its first public hearing at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Friday November 26.

The ceremonial hearing will be open to the public if COVID restrictions allow. It will also be webcast.

The hearing will explain how the Commissioners will conduct the inquiry.

The first block of public hearings where participants will give evidence begins in Brisbane on Monday November 29, 2021.

People are being invited to share their experiences and register for a private session, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide said in a statement released today.

“Hearing from people touched by the tragedy of suicide and suicide behaviour is critical for Australia to learn and improve the lives of veterans and their families,” said Commission Chair and former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Nick Kaldas (pictured).

“Your story can help others. We’re encouraging anyone who wants to share their experiences to come forward.

“The experiences of veterans, families, support people, organisations and the broader community will help us understand the problem and make recommendations that may reduce the number of deaths by suicide.”

These sessions will begin in November and continue for the duration of the Royal Commission.

Anyone wishing to make a submission to the Commission- external site can do so via this link.

The Commission will accept submissions until at least the end of March 2022. The closing date will be confirmed later this year.

Sharing your experiences will help the Commission understand:

  • Systemic issues among Defence and veteran deaths by suicide;
  • Risk factors, and
  • The availability of support services.

The Royal Commission cannot decide or resolve individual cases or award compensation, it said.

“Last week the Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel announced the appointment of consultants McKinsey & Company to take action to improve the claims system for supporting veterans, administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.”

“The Minister is reported to have said that McKinsey & Co would be consulting with bereaved families of veterans who have died by suicide.

“The Royal Commission looks forward to learning more about the scope and nature of the actions McKinsey & Co will be taking, and to working with the Department to ensure the interests and wellbeing of bereaved families are protected,” the Commission said.

“We are mindful that with both organisations seeking to work closely with Defence members, veterans and their families, our processes should support those involved and avoid being duplicative, conflicting or otherwise overwhelming,” said Commissioner Chair, Nick Kaldas.

Latest Articles