Stefan Bradley
LAST week, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report was released, which has been acknowledged by federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, and Stratford-based Vietnam veteran John Bryant has also shared his point of view.
“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,” Mr Chester said in a statement to the Gippsland Times.
“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.”
The report is lengthy, with seven volumes, and includes 122 recommendations for the government to consider. An ‘easy read’ version is available at defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/
Among the major recommendations include changing the culture and leadership within Defence; establishing a new agency to help veterans transition into civilian life; and an independent inquiry into military sexual violence in the ADF.
Stratford resident and Vietnam veteran John Bryant, who fought in the Battle of Balmoral in May 1968, said, “Whilst I haven’t read the report I do have my own thoughts. After the Vietnam War, approximately 2500 committed suicide, in contrast to the 502 deaths during the conflict.”
Mr Bryant said the transition to army life is “a complete 180 degrees” from civilian life, and that on leaving service there was no training to fit back into civilian life.
“Civilians cannot be expected to understand life in the services. Some people would in any case contemplate suicide but others need help to fit in again,” he said.
“I think it is imperative that services need to be put in place to accommodate these deserving personnel. I think today they do have this help available but it needs to be served by ex-military, because military understand military.
“I do agree that some who join but never got the chance to serve in a theatre may feel cheated. All arms of the service – Navy, Army and Air – is not just a job but a vocation.
“They join and hypothetically sign the blank cheque that Australia can have their all, even their life if need be. I hope that a proper solution will be available to those personnel at risk, of course many, the majority will fit back into civilian life knowing full well they have achieved in their service something fulfilling.”
Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty and Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston in a message to Defence staff said: “It has been sobering to hear of experiences of our current and former personnel, their families and loved ones, particularly where Defence has let people down, and not aligned actions with our values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.”
Mr Chester said, “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.”
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
Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by phoning 13 11 14.
