Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: Culture of bullying, abuse blamed

Veterans Minister Darren Chester has been praised as “caring” in his attempt to help prevent veteran suicide, but admits the system isn’t perfect.

Exclusive: Bullying, abuse, and the culture and operational tempo of military service have been identified as primary causes of veteran suicides.

The themes have emerged in more than 1800 submissions already made to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide – a record for any such inquiry.

Sources close to the process said while distressing concerns have been raised about the process of military personnel transitioning to civilian life and the impact that has on their mental health, it has been life in the military itself which has emerged as a major trigger.

Special Forces Task Group soldiers during a training activity in Afghanistan. Picture: Defence

There have been more than 400 suicides of personnel since 2001 when the Australian Defence Force deployed to Afghanistan post the September 11 terror attacks.

Specifically cited have been impacts of Defence service, mental health support while in the ADF, and three broad primary themes of culture, bullying and abuse in the service.

An Australian soldier erects an Australian flag on his Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle in the Tarin Kowt region. Picture: Defence

The mental wellbeing and impact on families by the high number of deployments and rotations particularly to the Middle East has also been cited in many of the 962 written feedbacks to the Department of Veterans Affairs and 850 to the Attorney-General’s Department.

The DVA also came in for stinging rebuke by ex-service men and women and families who have lost loved ones, for their bureaucratic complexity when seeking help.

The departments has also been heavily criticised for failing to support those leaving the armed forces as well as allegations of cronyism in distribution of annual grants for specific associations and foundations.

Minister Darren Chester addresses troops currently serving in the Puckapunyal Military Area during a visit on 28 April 2021. Picture: Department of Defence

“The veterans’ community can only get worse from now on and one only has to look at the parlous annual DVA budget and the increasingly piss poor service it delivers,” one veteran wrote in their submission.

The level of animosity, despair and outright anger – in submissions just on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission – has stunned both the DVA and the Attorney-General’s Department both of which had called for public input for the July inquiry, with the submissions process closing this Friday.

Veterans Minister Darren Chester is welcomed by Australian Army officer Lieutenant Colonel 'R' (left; protected identity), Commanding Officer of the Special Air Service Regiment, and Warrant Officer Class One 'S', Regimental Sergeant Major, as he arrives at Campbell Barracks, Perth this month. Picture: Department of Defence

While Veterans’ Minister Darren Chester was praised as “caring” and “genuine” in some submissions, some questioned whether his involvement was a conflict of interest.

Mr Chester has spent weeks travelling the country speaking with hundreds of veterans and the ADF hearing concerns and calling on submissions to be made, notably in Victoria and Queensland.

“I have held discussions with hundreds of veterans, serving members and families over the past four weeks and the feedback has been extremely positive and constructive,” Mr Chester said yesterday.

Interim Veteran Commissioner Dr Bernadette Boss in Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

“They are not interested in arguing among themselves, they want the wider military community to unite and make the most of this important opportunity, and while feedback has been incredibly diverse, we all have one common goal – to prevent suicide within the Defence and veteran communities.”

He added: “The system isn’t perfect and the Royal Commission is an opportunity to identify any weaknesses, listen to the ideas of Australians, and implement changes that can help to save lives.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison bowed to public pressure and a motion in both Houses of Parliament and announced the establishment of the Royal Commission on April 19, to complement the Office of National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention led by Dr Bernadette Boss, an ACT magistrate, coroner and Army Reserve brigadier.

For anyone who is struggling, mental health support is available 24/7. Please reach out to Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website.