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Veteran suicide royal commission

September

Defence Minister Richard Marles at times has a lonely job running his portfolio.

Afghanistan’s long dark shadow still hangs over the military

Two major reports this week brought home painful reminders of the legacy of Australia’s contribution to the war on terror. Will anything change?

  • Andrew Tillett
Royal commissioners Dr Peggy Brown, chairman Nick Kaldas (centre) and James Douglas hand over their findings and recommendations in Canberra on Monday.

Recruit military officers with emotional intelligence, commission says

The royal commission into veterans’ suicide found 3000 serving and ex-serving personnel had taken their life since 1997, an “unacceptably high” number.

  • Andrew Tillett

New homes pushing up prices of old apartments: O’Rorke

New homes have bolstered the prices of existing properties; more than 3000 serving military personnel and veterans died from suicide between 1997 and 2021. Follow live updates.

  • Updated
  • Lucy Slade

May

The ADF faces a shortfall of nearly 5000 soldiers, sailors and airmen and women.

The ADF will grow by just 358 people next year. That’s a big problem

If Defence is to attract the 5000 new soldiers, sailors and aviators it desperately needs, it must do a much better job looking after its current ones.

  • Andrew Tillett

September 2023

Nick Kaldas

Royal commissioner blasts Defence over veteran suicides

Royal commissioner Nick Kaldas says Defence is failing to improve the treatment of military personnel while senior leadership stonewalls his efforts to fix the problem.

  • Andrew Tillett

December 2022

Queensland Theatre’s production of First Casualty.

Can a play explain why the army failed in Afghanistan?

Written by an Army officer, “First Casualty” explores extrajudicial killings and other disturbing behaviour by Australians in the war.

  • Aaron Patrick

August 2022

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has apologised to veterans.

Veterans suicide report exposes department failings

A scathing assessment of an uncaring culture and inadequate support services in defence and veterans affairs has prompted a call for urgent changes to reduce high levels of suicide.

  • Deborah Cornwall

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/royal-commission-into-defence-and-veteran-suicide-1nwu