Our work in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
On 2 December 2024, the Australian Government released its response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report which was handed down on 9 September 2024.
The Government accepted the overwhelming majority of the Final Report’s recommendations, and significant work is now in progress to implement the Government’s response.
DVA has been focusing on extensive engagement and co-design with the Defence and veteran community, to ensure the implementation of recommendations will result in meaningful outcomes.
DVA is building on the substantial reforms already delivered in the implementation of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s Interim Report, including fundamental legislation reform and improvements to claims processing.
DVA will continue to work closely with the veteran community, Defence and other key Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments, and the veteran support sector, to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to address suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members.
Find out more about DVA’s work in response to the Royal Commission through the links below.
Legislation Reform
We are simplifying legislation so it is easier to navigate
Claims Processing
We are eliminating the backlog and making it simpler for veterans to lodge and track their claims
Reporting and Publications
Read Royal Commission reports and keep track of our progress
Access to Information
We are providing better access to information for ADF personnel, veterans and families
Taskforce on Wellbeing Agency and Peak Body
We have established a taskforce to focus on the delivery of several recommendations from the Royal Commission
Background
The Royal Commission delivered its Interim Report on 11 August 2022, and the Final Report was delivered on 9 September 2024. The Final Report is available on the Australian Parliament House website, and comprises more than 3,000 pages of evidence, commentary and findings across 7 volumes.
The Report highlights the scale, contributing risk factors and overarching drivers of suicide and suicidality. It acknowledges that suicide and suicidality of serving and ex-serving members of the ADF is a multifaceted problem.
On 2 December 2024, the Government announced its response to the Final Report. The Government response agreed 96 recommendations, agreed in principle 18 recommendations, noted 7 recommendations, and did not support one recommendation in part.
Who to call for urgent help
These services are confidential and available 24 hours a day. If life is in danger, call 000.
Urgent help
Open Arms
Free counselling, treatment programs and suicide prevention training.
ADF
Helps ADF personnel and their families access mental health services.
1800RESPECT
Help for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.