The Federal Government has today released its response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, setting out what it says is a plan for real, meaningful and enduring reform for Defence personnel, veterans and families.
The Royal Commission, chaired by former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Nick Kaldas, heard harrowing evidence about the cultural problems within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over time and identified deficiencies with the approach, services and support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The Government has accepted the overwhelming majority of the Royal Commission’s 122 recommendations: agreeing or agreeing-in-principle to 104 recommendations, noting 17 recommendations for further consideration and one recommendation is not supported in part.
Implementing this response will result in the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the culture, systems and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA to prevent suicide and improve mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans, said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
“We have lost too many lives, and every single one is heartbreaking. Today I want to acknowledge every family and friend grieving the loss of a loved one,” said Mr Albanese.
“We called for this Royal Commission in Opposition and we supported it in Government.
“Today’s response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission is an historic opportunity to deliver lasting reform and support our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.”
Consistent with key recommendations of the Royal Commission, the Government is set to:
- Establish a new statutory entity to oversee enduring and systemic reform. This entity will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to improve suicide prevention, and drive better outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF personnel.
- An interim head will be appointed as soon as possible to work across government towards the establishment of a legislated oversight body by September 2025.
- Establish a Taskforce in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet which will draw in expertise from across Government as well as external experts to consider matters of detailed implementation.
- Direct DVA to co-design, with the veteran community, a new agency focused on wellbeing to be established within DVA. This body will be focused on consultation and co-design with Defence and veteran communities, and their families, to ensure the agency meets their needs.
- Fund DVA to continue consultation on the development of a national ex-service organisation peak body.
“We thank all those who came forward and bravely told their story to the Royal Commission. Your courage and the Royal Commission’s work directs the necessary change needed to save lives,” said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh.
“The Government’s response to the Royal Commission will deliver changes in Defence and DVA that will improve the lives of serving personnel, veterans and families today and into the future.”
The Government says the reforms will be rolled out together with the implementation of the National Defence Strategy.
The Government’s full response to the Royal Commission is available on the Defence and DVA websites.
