In declining to extend the veteran suicide royal commission, Defence Minister Richard Marles acknowledges that certain families may remain “unheard.” He emphasizes the urgency for the government to swiftly enact reforms to address this pressing issue.
Support Services for Defence Personnel:
- For confidential assistance, ADF members and their families can reach out to the Defence all-hours Support Line at 1800 628 036.
- Open Arms offers 24-hour free counseling and support to current and former ADF members and their families at 1800 011 046.
- Soldier On provides national support services for Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families. Contact them during office hours at 1300 620 380.
- Contact the Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) at 1800 33 1800 for legal assistance.
“While acknowledging the importance of other stories, Mr. Marles emphasized the urgency for immediate action and progress in addressing veteran suicide,”
“Establishing momentum is crucial at this point,” he added.
The royal commission, which has been ongoing for over two years, is now in its final month of sessions.
Last August, the federal Labor government declined a 12-month extension request by the commissioners, granting them only an additional three months.
Despite respecting the government’s decision, the commissioners expressed their belief that this may be the final royal commission on this issue in their lifetime.
The final report and recommendations of the royal commission are expected to be released in early September.
Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh, highlighted that the government enabled the royal commission to conduct concurrent hearings, allowing for a broader range of experiences to be shared.
Mr. Keogh emphasized the importance of the community eagerly anticipating the final report and the subsequent implementation of its recommendations.
**Richard Marles Testifies at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide**
**Mr. Marles’ Testimony**
Richard Marles, in his appearance at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, emphasized that the decision made was a “judgement call.” He expressed the urgency by stating, “For better or worse, we sought your recommendations this year.” Marles acknowledged that some stories and evidence may not be heard within the next 12 months due to the timeline but stressed the importance of swift action.
**Commissioner Brown’s Response**
Commissioner Brown assured that efforts would be made to conclude the inquiries within the set timeframe. She highlighted the commission’s commitment to respecting the government’s priorities and striving to address the complexities of the issue. The aim is to present the final report by September of the current year, navigating the vast landscape of the matter.
**Progress and Commitment**
An interim report containing 13 urgent recommendations was released in August 2022, with the government pledging to implement most of them. It is noteworthy that when Labor was in opposition, they supported the establishment of the royal commission by the Morrison government, which commenced in July 2021.
This update was posted 19 hours ago, emphasizing the ongoing efforts and developments in addressing the critical issue of veteran suicide through the royal commission.
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