The military community has been invited to have their say on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Royal Commission is to be set up following community calls for a national inquiry focused on the systemic issues faced by Australian Defence Force members and veterans that resulted in their suicide.
“The rate of suicide of Australian Defence Force members and veterans is unacceptably high,” Mr Morrison said.
“In recognising the sacrifices made by our serving and former members and their families on behalf of the nation, we owe it to members, veterans and their families to continue to take action,” he said.
Mr Morrison said the Attorney-General’s Department would provide administrative support to the Royal Commission.
He said the Royal Commission and a new National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention would be established together and operate in a complementary way to achieve long-term change.
“The Royal Commission will look at past deaths by suicide (including suspected suicides and lived experience of suicide risks) from a systemic point of view, while the National Commissioner will have a forward-looking role, including overseeing the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr Morrison said it was expected that the Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference would cover systemic issues and analysis of contributing risk factors; the protective and rehabilitative factors for Defence members and veterans who’d attempted or contemplated suicide; and the engagement of Defence members and veterans with Commonwealth, State or Territory Governments about support services, claims or entitlements.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester said people could have a say on the themes of the Terms of Reference up to 21 May.
“Any member of the community or any organisation across Australia is able to provide input regarding the broad themes for the Terms of Reference announced this week,” Mr Chester said.
Further information on the Royal Commission, including how to have a say on its Terms of Reference, can be accessed at this PS News link.
Support for veterans and their families is available free of charge through the Open Arms counselling service on 1800 011 046.
