Save Our Heroes campaign wins as investigation into serving and veteran defence force suicides announced
The campaign for a Royal Commission into serving and veteran defence force suicides has finally been met. Here are the full details.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Power and compassion: Justice for wounded warriors, at last
- Veteran’s dad calls for suicide royal commission
The campaign for a Royal Commission into serving and veteran defence force suicides has finally been met. Here are the full details.
■ The new National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention will have the same power as a Royal Commission — but on a permanent basis.
■ The Commissioner will be able to address new issues as they come up and act as a permanent shield for veterans.
■ The new office will be funded by an initial payment of $40 million with more funding to come.
■ The Commissioner will be able to compel evidence and summon witnesses with the threat of contempt and jail for those who refuse to comply.
■ On-going investigations will have the same authority as a coroner.
■ Every year the Commissioner will present parliament with a Veteran and Defence Suicide Report to update on the success of suicide risk minimisation recommendations.
■ The Government will establish an immediate, independent review of 419 known historical veteran suicide cases to better understand the factors leading to suicide.
■ Families of veterans will be engaged in the process and will finally be able to tell their stories and be heard.
■ The Review will be completed within a year with the final report on the PM’s desk inside 18 months.
■ An independent Veteran Family Advocate will be appointed to take the views of veteran families to the Department of Veterans Affairs and influence policy-making.
■ The advocate will be established as a Commissioner and will sit on the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.
SANE Helpline: 1800 18 72 63
Lifeline: 131 114
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Originally published as Save Our Heroes campaign wins as investigation into serving and veteran defence force suicides announced