Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide opens for public consultation

Veterans, their families and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide input to guide the royal commission.

PUBLIC consultation has opened for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Veterans, their families, ex-service organisations and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide input to guide the terms of reference.

On Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he would ask the governor-general to establish a royal commission into the growing issue which would examine the “systemic issues” and “common themes” among deaths by suicide.

Veteran Bradley Carr was born on Remembrance Day and took his life on Anzac Day in 2019 following a posting to Afghanistan. His mum Glenda Weston passionately campaigned for the Royal commission.

Glenda Weston of Charters Towers. Her son Bradley Carr died by suicide on Anzac Day 2019 following his posting to Afghanistan.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester (pictured) said the public consultation process would ensure the royal commission was focused and based on the experiences and perspectives of those impacted by Defence and veteran suicide.

“We must all work together to ensure that this Royal Commission can start promptly and put us on the path to a better understanding of suicide in the serving and ex-serving community,” Mr Chester said.

“I want to assure the Defence and veteran community that the government will continue to prioritise the health and wellbeing of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. For anyone who may find this process difficult, help is available and can make a difference.”

Following consultation, feedback will be provided to the Department of the Attorney-General and support the drafting of the royal commission’s terms of reference.

Open Arms provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families 1800 011 046, or through SafeZone on 1800 142 072.

Originally published as Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide opens for public consultation