Parliament backs veteran suicide royal commission, as Scott Morrison says it ‘won’t be opposed’

A royal commission into veteran suicides is a step closer, after it was passed through parliament on Monday afternoon. But it will now be up to the Prime Minister to establish one.

Adella Beani and Clare Armstrong

3 min read

March 22, 2021 - 6:58PM

Save our heroes: Why we need a royal commission into veteran suicides

NSW

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MORE than one veteran has taken their life every week this year as a successful motion calling for a Royal Commission into the shocking rate of death increases pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Australian Defence Force veterans-turned MPs spoke with strong emotion on Monday when they rose to speak in favour of the non-binding motion, which passed unanimously on voices without the need for a vote.

Despite the support for a Royal Commission, Mr Morrison remains in favour of the government’s proposed permanent national veteran suicide commissioner, but the idea has failed to gain support from Labor or the crossbench.

“We’ve always thought you need something better than and more than a royal commission – what we need is a permanent arrangement – and that’s what we’ve put into the parliament,” Mr Morrison said.

Julie-Ann Finney has been campaigning for an inquiry after the death of her son David. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

Veteran advocates have reported at least 18 defence suicides in the last three months alone, which was almost twice the figure from the previous three months.

Wiping away tears from his eyes, Liberal MP and veteran Phil Thompson used a speech in parliament to apologise to Julie-Ann Finney, the mother of deceased veteran David Finney, and backed the Royal Commission.

Mr Thompson, who served in Afghanistan, spoke about the “black hole” he had to climb out of himself, and the burden of seeing his mates die that “never goes away”.

“I’m sorry for every mother that has had to bury their son,” he said.

Mr Thompson said he felt the death of his friend Jesse Bird, who died by suicide, was on my shoulders and is my responsibility”.

“When I was on operations in Afghanistan we accepted death, I didn’t expect it when I came home,” he said.

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson has backed a Royal Commission itno veteran suicides. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Labor’s veteran spokesman Shayne Neumann told The Daily Telegraph the “overwhelming support” for a Royal Commission placed a “moral imperative” on Mr Morrison to support one.

“We’re in a position where the Prime Minister needs to do the right thing and give grieving families what they deserve,” he said.

“The national commissioner bill is friendless … there is no middle ground, the government should abandon the bill and call a Royal Commission.”

Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester, who previously opposed a Royal Commission, yesterday said the government “does not oppose” one.

“We do have a proven track record of taking this issue very seriously, and will now move to carefully consider the views of the parliament,” he said.

Julie-Ann Finney, who lost her son — navy veteran David — to suicide, has been pushing for a royal commission for two years, backed by The Daily Telegraph’s Save Our Heroes campaign.

“We can no longer be arrogant and try to protect people we need to actually save lives and the only way to do that is through a full transparent investigation,” she said.

Julie Anne Finney poses for photographs next to the Pool of Reflection in the commemorative courtyard at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra Tracey Nearmy/Advertiser

Federal opposition leader Anthony Albanese has urged the government to call the Royal Commission as soon as possible, saying it “can’t be resisted anymore”.

“Australian men and women who wear a uniform in our name, deserve our respect and our support. It deserves the closest attention of the government,” he said.

“The Senate (voted) it last week, the House of Representatives is going to do it today….. If that’s not binding on the government. I don’t know what is. I don’t know why we’re here, frankly, all.

“This is a tired eight year old government with an ear of tin sometimes and a heart of stone at others. It needs to actually listen and act, itf it does that it will be welcomed.

“This should be a moment of unity for parliament, but it has to be one that doesn’t not oppose the motion but has to support the motion. It’s an important distinction the government has to acknowledge and commit to today.”