Paul Kirby has defended his position to take personal leave during the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide

The Territory’s Veteran Affair Minister has defended his position to take personal leave while the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides hears harrowing stories from Territorians. Take our poll.

Veterans Affairs Minister Paul Kirby has defended his decision to take leave while the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is sitting in Darwin.

The Commission began conducting hearings in Darwin last week and will continue sitting in the Top End until Thursday (October 27).

But Mr Kirby has not been present at any of the hearings.

In a statement, Mr Kirby’s spokesman said the Minister met with officers from the Royal Commission in late September.

“Prior to that meeting, he and Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling had been lobbying to direct the Royal Commission for Defence and Veterans Suicide to the Northern Territory, and driving early engagement to ensure there would be adequate participation for the duration of the seventh hearings in Darwin,” he said.

“With the visit coinciding with planned leave, the Minister organised to meet with representatives and is available to participate in the Royal Commission, via video link, if required.”

Last week, the Commission explored issues relating to overseas deployment and the challenges of life on Australian Defence Force bases, in particular RAAF Base Tindal.

This week it will examine the mental health services delivered by Defence.

It is expected to hear from John and Robyn Halloran, the parent of 21-year-old Private Thomas Halloran, who died by suicide on April 26 at Darwin’s Robertson Barracks.

During his opening address last week, counsel assisting the Royal Commission Peter Singleton said Private Halloran was known for his big smile, quick wit and generosity.

“Private Halloran’s experience in the ADF touches on many of the issues being explored by this Commission,” he said.

“Among others, those issues include the medical care and support provided after injury, bullying, and the effectiveness of disciplinary action.”

The Commission is also expected to hear from Paul Walker, an indigenous signalman who was discharged from the Army in 2003.