Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Findings

The Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission: A Path Towards Recovery

After three years of investigations, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has delivered its final report with 122 recommendations, sparking hope for a bright future for veterans and their families. But before moving forward, it’s crucial to understand the shocking discoveries and recommendations that may spark change.

What Does the Report Reveal?

The report shows a stark reality: 70% of veterans who ended their lives were not necessarily struggling with PTSD, physical injuries, or combat traumas. Instead, poor culture and systems within the defence force and the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) played a significant role.

Key Findings and Recommendations

1. The report highlights the lack of accountability within the ADF, with numerous inquiries failing to implement change despite many recommendations.
2. Many veterans experience poor transition-to-civilian life and struggle to find support despite the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ efforts.
3. The commission identifies harassment, bullying, and administration violence as common issues leading to veteran suicide.
4. The report calls for the establishment of an independent scrutiny mechanism to monitor suicide rates and report progress on tackling the issue.

Some notable recommendations include:

• Building a respectful workforce free from harassment and bullying.
• Identifying and addressing sexual assault within the forces.
• Supporting victims while holding perpetrators accountable.
• Conducting independent research into the prevalence of sexual violence within the force.

Additionally, the report emphasizes improving leadership, strengthening accountability within the ADF, and reforming the processes involved in appointing leadership.

Can Defence Be Reformed?

Despite hopes for change, it is unclear whether the defence forces will truly implement reforms without external pressure. Resistance may come from the same officials who have hindered improvements in the past. Furthermore, the forces have resisted transparency and accountability throughout previous inquiries.

However, signs of hope emerge. Individuals within the ADF are working towards positive change despite the obstacles.

Breaking Down the Complexities of Veteran Suicide

Suicides among veterans are a deeply complex issue. They include:

• Identity crises faced by those who struggle with their purpose, identity, and belonging after transitioning back to civilian life.
• The struggle to receive effective support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and face bureaucratic hurdles.
• Invisible wounds such as sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation within the forces.
• The failure to hold senior officials accountable for perpetrating or covering up harmful attitudes and behaviors.

Understanding and addressing these factors are vital to preventing future veteran deaths.

Conclusion

Reforming the defence forces demands a commitment to cultural overhaul, transparency, and leadership accountability. It also depends on the ADO listening to the recommendations of experts and taking concrete actions.

FAQs

Why did the report reveal surprising statistics about veteran suicide? The report shows that much of the issue is internal, related to the Australian Defence Organisation’s (ADO) culture and systems. This is not the war itself, but how troops are treated during and after service.

How did researchers identify the problems? Forensic analysis of the reported numbers revealed the magnitude of the issue, including identifying the 70% figure.

What does this reveal about the forces? Evidence suggests that senior officials prioritize maintaining the status quo or covering up harm over working towards change. The government and the forces themselves struggle to implement recommendations and follow through on commitments.

Additional Resources

• Australia’s Defence and Veteran Ombudsman
• Open Arms (24-Hour Free and Confidential Helpline for ADF Current and Former Members)
• Defence All-Hours Support Line (Confidential Assistance for ADF Current Members and Families)