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Following approval from the Governor-General, the government has launched the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide headed by Nick Kaldas APM.
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The Commonwealth has formally instituted the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which will be co-ordinated by Nick Kaldas APM, former Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Police Force.
Throughout his career, Kaldas has served as director of internal oversight services for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency as well as chief of investigations for the United Nations Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in Syria.
Alongside Kaldas will be the Honourable James Douglas QC, former judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland, as well as Dr Peggy Brown, psychiatrist and leader in mental health policy.
The royal commission aims to establish the root causes to defence and veteran suicide, as well as suspected suicide.
The Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that the investigation and research will take place independent of the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It has also confirmed that information will be gathered in a “trauma-informed way”, with private sessions available as well as “independent legal advisory service, counselling and support services will also be made available to people engaging with the royal commission”.
While making the Terms of Reference, over 3,000 submissions were received.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed the country to understanding and meeting the impact of service on Australia’s defence community.
“We recognise the contribution and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country,” the PM said.
“The death of any Australian Defence Force member or veteran is a tragedy that is deeply felt by all Australians. As a government we are committed to addressing the ongoing impact of service, including preventing future deaths by suicide and providing opportunities for healing.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee outlined that he hopes the royal commission will create a positive change for veterans.
“The royal commission is a crucially important piece of national work that I hope can be a catalyst for positive change in the treatment and care of veterans and their families, both now and for future generations,” Minister Gee said.
“Our country asks so much of the men and women of the ADF and we owe it to them and our veterans to make sure that this Royal Commission and its findings lead to lasting results.”
According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill that is before Parliament will aim to support the royal commission’s findings.
The interim report from the royal commission is expected by 11 August 2022.
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