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The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is entering its last stages as a final report is prepared for delivery by 9 September this year.
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The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was established in July 2021 after the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC, issued a letters patent and set up the royal commission.
It’s understood the final report is informed by material gathered from almost 5,900 submissions, around 800 private sessions, and 12 public hearings.
“The royal commission has spent almost three years examining in detail all aspects of service and post-service life to pinpoint the cultural and systemic issues contributing to alarming rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour in Australia’s military community,” a public statement from the royal commission said this week.
“We have not only looked at the Australian Defence Force and the departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs.
“The scope of our inquiries has covered a broad and complex landscape, including Commonwealth, state and territory governments, oversight bodies, as well as health, ex-service and other support organisations.
“Many past and present Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, and their loved ones, have shared their personal insights with us which has been invaluable.
“In September, we will deliver a final report comprising robust, evidence-based recommendations for real and meaningful reforms to address this national tragedy once and for all.”
Nick Kaldas, chief commissioner in the royal commission, said the royal commission has gathered its evidence and is well into the drafting phase.
“Our final report will comprise robust findings and practical recommendations designed to address the complex issues outlined in our original terms of reference,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone who has courageously come forward and shared their experience with us.”
Earlier this year in April, the royal commission disclosed information that there are, on average, three deaths by suicide by serving or ex-serving Defence members every fortnight across Australia.
Commissioner Dr Peggy Brown discussed the finding in a speech at the National Suicide Prevention Conference on 30 April this year.
Commissioner Brown also revealed findings of new research that has been conducted by the royal commission, showing a higher suicide rate for male serving members of the ADF when compared to the Australian employed male population.
This research was the first time that the suicide rate for permanent serving ADF members had been compared to the employed population. Male serving permanent members were found to be 30 per cent more likely to die by suicide than Australian employed males. Males serving in combat and security roles were considered two times (100 per cent) more likely to die by suicide than Australian employed males.
