Calls for NT veterans to share stories in Suicide Royal Commission
Defence personnel are being urged to come forward and share their experiences to a royal commission, as it can be revealed how NT veterans have fallen behind.
Northern Territory
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Northern Territory veterans are encouraged to “create real change” by sharing personal stories to the Royal Commission for Defence and Veterans Suicide.
It can be revealed out of 1200 enquiries about submissions to the legal service representing members, just 40 came from the NT.
According to the latest census data, 9534 people in the Territory were currently serving or had served in the Australian Defence Force.
The Defence and Veterans Legal Service provides free and confidential support to members, and urged those with experiences to share to come forward before it’s too late.
“Personal stories have the power to create real change at a national level,” director Jasmine Stanton said.
“However, people who want to share their stories with the Royal Commission often need legal advice about how to do that safely and effectively.
“That’s where we help.”
Ms Stanton said requests for a private session with a Royal Commissioner were due in three months, by April 28.
Final submissions to the Royal Commission were due by October 13.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the royal commission on April 19, 2021.
The most recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data revealed at least 1600 serving and ex-serving ADF members had died by suicide between 1997 and 2020.
That number included 79 deaths in 2020 alone.
Darwin veteran Sam Weston at the time said the inquiry was a long time coming.
“I felt like we weren’t looked after back then. I don’t feel like the support’s there now,” he said.
The seventh hearing of the inquiry was held in Darwin in October 2022.
The sittings heard about “the unique challenges of military service in the Top End”, including how the weather affects the wellbeing of defence members.
The next hearings will be held in Perth from May 15.
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