Inquest into Tasmanian ex-navy sailor death begins with emotional opening from mother

An inquest into the death of a Tasmanian ex-navy sailor who apparently died by suicide after his discharge from service has begun in Hobart. What the court heard.

Magistrates Court in Hobart CBD. GV / File / Generic Picture: RICHARD JUPE

An inquest into the death of a former Royal Australian Navy sailor who apparently died by suicide began in Hobart on Monday.

The scope of the “solemn and important” inquest was detailed at six matters that would be examined, including recruitment and continued employment within the navy despite mental health concerns.

Julia Marshall said it was five years, four months and 11 days since her son Ben Laurence Marshall ex-Royal Australian navy sailor son “took this tragic step”.

Personnel onboard the Australian Navy's HMAS Hobart salute during the opening ceremony of the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2025 in Denpasar on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on February 16, 2025. (Photo by SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP)

“We are grateful for the Coroner to give Ben a voice and hear first hand what happened to Ben while serving, the role Defence played to discharge him when he suffered serious defence- related mental health issues, how DVA treated him, and difficulties Ben faced even with RSL advocates assigned to him from discharge,” Ms Marshall told the Mercury.

Coroner Simon Cooper heard Ms Marshall’s opening remarks in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday.

She told the court that as a mother, she would not recommend any person’s child pursue a career in the defence force until all 122 recommendations from the royal commission into veteran suicide were implemented.

A Royal Australian Navy sailor from HMAS Brisbane on the bridge during search and rescue operations in the vicinity of Lindeman Island, Queensland, 29 July 2023.

In their brief opening submission Commonwealth counsel said although there had been “significant reform” since Mr Marshall’s death due to the royal commission they had not identified “any failure in relation to the implementation of policies” and had not identified any systemic failures in Mr Marshall’s case.

She said that was in the context of the known systemic failures that are a part of the 122 recommendations from the royal commission.

Both parties will make written submissions to the coroner as part of the five-day inquest.

For 24/7 crisis support call Lifeline on 131 114.

Originally published as Inquest into Tasmanian ex-navy sailor death begins with emotional opening from mother