The Department of Justice and Community Safety and the Department of Health are to play a role in developing the Terms of Reference for the Commonwealth’s upcoming Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, although the Federal organisers have been called on to allow veterans more time to participate.
Minister for Veterans Affairs, Shaun Leane opened consultation on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission which is to hear from veterans and their families about their experiences and how to lower the rates of veteran suicide.
Mr Leane said the State would consult the Victorian Veterans Council and other key stakeholders, as well as relevant Departments.
“The Terms of Reference will be vital to shaping this Royal Commission and I encourage Veterans, their families and anyone interested in the wellbeing of our returned service men and women to have their say,” Mr Leane said
“[The State is] calling on the Morrison Government to provide more time for people to contribute through the consultation process,” he said.
“The Federal Government is seeking to finalise consultation on the Terms of Reference by 21 May, and is asking States and Territories to consult with the Veterans sector and provide input before then.”
Mr Leane said he was calling for consultation to be extended until 18 June given the breadth of consultation required and how central the Terms of Reference would be to guiding the work of the Royal Commission and, ultimately, saving lives.
The Minister said he had written to the Federal Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel to that effect.
“This will allow the Veteran community to properly consider what it believes needs to be in the Terms of Reference, and put those views and expectations into writing,” he said.
Mr Leane said a dedicated email address, [email protected], had been established to canvas the views of Veterans, their families and the broader public.
