Navy diver, sailor suicides lead to renewed ADF Royal Commission calls

Two ex-service members took their own lives in the course of three days last week, adding to a shocking toll of recent veteran suicides.

An elite navy clearance diver is one of two former servicemen to take their own lives in three days as a devastated veteran community endures almost a two-fold increase in suicides.

Max Gunn, part of the clearance diving branch and Tactical Assault Group (TAG) East, was remembered as a “kind soul” and wonderful “brother” after taking his life in Canberra last Friday.

Two days later, an Able Seaman - who The Daily Telegraph has chosen not to name - took his life, while naval recruit Teri Bailey took hers on her 25th birthday in December.

They are among more than 16 defence suicides in the past three months, nearly twice the figure from the previous three months, prompting renewed calls for a Royal Commission.

Leading Seaman Clearance Diver Max Gunn.

Julie-Anne Finney, who lost her son David to suicide, says the proposed National Commissioner doesn’t go far enough and is urging the government to “listen to families”.

“For as long as we don’t start holding people for past suicides, sexual assaults, bullying, bastardisation and lack of care for humanity then the suicides are going to keep going,” she said.

“All these deaths trigger me because there are family members hurting who shouldn’t be hurting. Each one of these veterans are human beings with a family and I’m sickened by it.”

On Wednesday, a two-day conference on Defence Force suicides will be held in Canberra where interim National Commissioner Dr Bernadette Boss will hear from some families and veterans.

Teri Bailey joined the Australian Navy at the age of 18. She took her life on her 25th birthday on December 8, 2020. Source: Supplied

Max Gunn took his own life on Friday. He was a professional member of the Tactical Assault Group (TAG) East. Picture: Supplied

However, if Attorney-General Christian Porter fails to win for the second time the necessary votes to establish the government’s National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention, then Dr Boss’ statutory authority will not exist and the proposed structure can’t eventuate.

Labor has vowed to continue to oppose the bill as they push instead for a Royal Commission, which would leave the government with no option but to find an alternative solution.

Opposition veterans affairs and defence personnel spokesman Shayne Neumann said despite the government broadening the Commissioner’s scope to look at attempted suicides, it did “nothing” to boost the independence or resources of the role.

“It‘s been more than a year since the Prime Minister announced a National Commissioner …. but there’s still no action when it comes to tackling this scourge,” he said.

“Since then, many veterans, families and thousands of Australians have rejected this as a marketing exercise by Scott Morrison and have joined Labor in calling for a Royal Commission into veteran suicide.

“The Government said they would bring the legislation back to the Senate this week, but they have not bothered to engage with Labor in an attempt to reach an outcome.”

Julie-Ann Finney in Canberra when she met with the then Shadow Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Mr Neumann added that the government is yet to come up with a “plan B” if they can’t pass the legislation.

But Mr Porter - who is on two weeks sick leave - slammed Labor’s move saying they’re continuing to “play political games by stubbornly standing in its way” despite the government introducing 23 amendments to the bill following its first rejection.

“Labor knows this legislation will save lives, yet has not suggested one single amendment,” he said.

“Labor also knows that the National Commissioner will have the powers of a Royal Commission, including the ability to summon witnesses and hold public hearings, take evidence on oath and compel the production of documents, plus many other powers generally applying to Royal Commissions.”

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