Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

Appointed by Letters Patent issued by Governor-General David Hurley on 8 July 2021, after both Houses of Parliament passed motions in March 2021 supporting a royal commission and the Morrison government dropped its preference for a permanent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. The commissioners were Nick Kaldas APM (chair), the Hon James Douglas QC and Dr Peggy Brown AO. The terms of reference covered systemic issues and risk factors relevant to defence and veteran suicide, including recruitment, service, transition and access to support and compensation, and the experiences of families. An interim report was due by 11 August 2022 and the final report by 15 June 2023.

Legislation: Royal Commissions Act 1902

1. 10 April 2022Letters Patent amended to extend the final reporting date from 15 June 2023 to 17 June 2024.
2. 11 August 2022Interim report, with 13 urgent recommendations, presented to the Governor-General and tabled.
3. 7 December 2023Letters Patent amended to extend the final reporting date from 17 June 2024 to 9 September 2024.

The final report, with 122 recommendations, was presented to Governor-General Sam Mostyn and tabled on 9 September 2024. It found cultural and systemic failings in Defence and the veterans' support system and recommended, among other things, an independent Defence and Veteran Services Commission and reform of veterans' compensation legislation.

• Inquiry into risk factors for suicide among serving and former ADF members
• Inquiry into Defence culture, transition from service and veterans' support and compensation
• Private sessions and public hearings with veterans and families

Last in the portfolio of Attorney-General's Department.

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