Report into Defence and veteran suicide handed down: Chester responds

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report has been delivered to the federal government and tabled in parliament.

The report marks the culmination of the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in the Defence and veteran communities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles thanked the members of the Defence Force, veterans and their loved ones who bravely shared their stories with the Royal Commission.

“This has been a thorough inquiry, and we will take the time to carefully consider the recommendations of the final report,” he said.

“Our priority is ensuring that those who pursue a career in the ADF have a safe and inclusive workplace and are supported from the time they join, through transition, and after service.”

Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said the rate of veteran suicide was a national tragedy and this Royal Commission played a vital role in learning what could be done better to improve the lives of Defence personnel, veterans and families.

“We’ve acted quickly on the recommendations from the Royal Commission’s Interim Report and I’m pleased that legislation to simplify and harmonise the veteran compensation system is now before the parliament,” he said.

“I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, sharing their often harrowing stories in the interests of improving things for their mates, and those who will come after them.”

All serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families needing support can phone Open Arms free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au

Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester was the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in the Morrison government when the Royal Commission was initiated, and he provided the following statement to the Gippsland Times:

“I welcome the conclusion of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which was initiated when I was Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

I have enormous respect for the men and women who continue to keep us safe in a challenging world, and I will carefully consider the recommendations and the details of the report.

The release of the Royal Commission report is a difficult time for our defence and veteran community, and it challenges us all to do better.

Throughout my time as Minister, I was very conscious of the need for respectful engagement with our Australian Defence Force personnel and the wider veteran community. 

I regard it as the highlight of my public life to have had the opportunity to help our veterans and their families as they transitioned from defence to civilian life, and I know there’s more work to be done.

The system is a long way from perfect, but help is available for veterans experiencing physical or mental challenges, and we need to ensure it is delivered in a timely manner on behalf of a grateful nation. When help is needed, it must be provided.

I have regularly expressed the view that the only acceptable level of suicide was zero, and I was determined to work in a constructive manner with DVA and the ex-service community to find solutions that worked.

It remains an enduring challenge to ensure our service personnel are well supported to train well, serve with distinction, and then transition successfully to civilian life. If we are going to attract some of the brightest and best Australians to serve in uniform, the conditions of service must reflect the enormous responsibilities that come with the task.

The men and women I have met in uniform are among the finest Australians in the nation and possess a level of patriotism and a sense of service, which is a credit to them and their loved ones.

I will continue to work closely with serving personnel and veterans in Gippsland as we deliver services that provide support if it is required.”