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 Australian Government released an updated Government Response on 9 September 2026.
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
Learn about the simpler compensation and rehabilitation system now operating under a single Act
Claims Processing
See current claims processing data
Reporting and Publications
Read Royal Commission reports and keep track of our progress
Access to Information
Find out how to access your personal information and other information held by DVA
Taskforce on Wellbeing Agency and Peak Body
We have consulted on the delivery of key recommendations from the Royal Commission
Read about the taskforce’s work on a new wellbeing agency and national peak body for ex-service organisation
Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency
We have established a new Agency to make it easier for veterans and families to manage their wellbeing
Learn about the new Agency and the services and supports it provides
Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
We have worked with Defence on a strategy that empowers and supports the Defence and veteran community
Read the joint strategy and action plans supporting mental health and wellbeing across service, transition and civilian life
DVA Suicide Prevention Framework 2025-2031
We have developed a framework to drive DVA’s suicide prevention priorities and initiatives
Read DVA’s Suicide Prevention Framework and Implementation Plan, which guide DVA’s approach to preventing veteran suicide
Research and evaluation
We are improving DVA research and evaluation to support veteran and family health and wellbeing
Learn about DVA’s research and the Veteran and Family Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge (VF-LINK)
Royal Commission Implementation Committee (RCIC)
We are overseeing the implementation of DVA-led and joint-led recommendations
Learn more about the RCIC and read summaries of meeting outcomes
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.