The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has published its ninth report on suicide among serving and ex-serving ADF members. Commissioned by DVA and Defence, Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985: suicide monitoring 1997 to 2024, provides important evidence on suicide trends and risk factors across the Defence and veteran community.
The death by suicide of any veteran or Defence member is a tragedy and is deeply felt by the whole community. It is important to remember that behind each piece of data is a real person who has lost their life to suicide.
While the report shows that suicide rates among ex-serving men and women have generally declined, it also highlights areas where continued action and support are needed. A snapshot of the data from the report is below:
- the suicide rate for ex-serving men and women has been generally declining since the 2010s
- suicide remains the leading cause of death for younger, ex-serving members
- the suicide rate among ex-serving males is higher than that of permanent or reserve males, though rates vary across subgroups
- ex-serving males who separate from the ADF for involuntary medical reasons experience higher rates of suicide than males who separate voluntarily
- during 2022–2024, the suicide rate was 25.5 deaths per 100,000 per year for ex-serving males, 11.3 for permanent males, 10.1 for reserve males, and 8.3 for ex-serving females.
The data provides valuable evidence to help identify and support those most at risk. It is used to:
- support veterans and the families of veterans
- inform responses to the recommendations of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
- shape Australian Government policy, programs, and services in this space.
Help is available, and seeking support early can make a difference. Veterans, current-serving members and their families do not need to be in crisis to access support.
- if you, or someone you know, are in danger and need immediate assistance, call 000
- veterans and the families of veterans can access support through Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling Service. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 1800 011 046
- Defence personnel can contact their local health centre, the All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036, or the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608
- current and former-serving members of the ADF who have completed one day of full-time service are also eligible for fully funded, mental-health treatment under Non-Liability Health Care (mental health).
There are also suicide intervention training courses to increase your skills and knowledge around suicide. The courses reduce stigma around suicide, help participants identify signs of distress, have supportive conversations and connect individuals with professional support when needed.
More information
For more detail and to download the report, visit the AIHW website.