Scott Morrison announces rolling commission into veteran suicide

Scott Morrison has announced a permanent, rolling commission into the scourge of suicide among defence force veterans.

The Prime Minister has announced a permanent commission into suicide among Australia’s defence force veterans. Picture: Josh Woning

Scott Morrison has established an ongoing inquiry into suspected suicides among Defence personnel and veterans, claiming the new body will be “bigger and better” than a royal commission.

The national commissioner, who is yet to be appointed, will investigate the deaths of more than 400 Defence personnel since 2001 with an interim report expected to be handed down within 12 months.

The Prime Minister on Wednesday said reducing high rates of suicide was one of his government's primary goals.

“Too many Australians take their own lives and one Australian who takes their own life is too many,” Mr Morrison said. “This is one of our government’s most important focuses. A towards-zero policy on suicide.”

“It’s a step in the right direction that’s for sure and I’m very grateful.”

During Question Time on Wednesday, Labor leader Anthony Albanese backed the inquiry, but support came with the caveat that he would have preferred a royal commission.

“We called for a royal commission last year,” he said. “But we are not going to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. We will support what the Prime Minister has announced and we will be vigilant to make sure it is properly resourced.”

The suicide rate for ex-servicemen is 18 per cent higher than the broader population and ex-servicewomen are twice as likely to take their own lives as other Australian women.

In addition to investigating suicide deaths, the commissioner will make mental health recommendations with the watchdog required to deliver a yearly report assessing the reduction of suicide risk factors.

Mr Morrison was joined by Liberal backbencher Phillip Thompson, himself a veteran, who said he felt the weight of every suicide on his shoulders.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: Getty Images

“Suicide, suicide prevention and mental illness is not just a Defence issue or a veterans’ issue, it’s a societal problem,” Mr Thompson said. “But the veterans’ community has a very high rate of suicide and I know that mothers have buried too many of their loved ones. We have buried too many of our brothers and sisters.”

He said he looked forward to the probe’s delivery of tangible solutions to the crisis.

Also announced was a families advocate within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to help the family members of those affected by suicide and to help develop related policy.

Victoria Cross recipient and Afghanistan veteran Ben Roberts Smith applauded Wednesday’s announcement.

“I respect the Prime Minister for making a considered decision and putting in place a mechanism that has the ongoing powers of a Royal Commission,’’ he told The Australian. “I think it’s really important the Commission have the power to look not only backwards but forwards.’’

Anthony Albanese with Richard Marles. Picture: Getty Images.

Mr Roberts Smith, a long-time campaigner for veteran’s wellbeing, said the lessons from the Vietnam War suggested it could take years or even decades for problems to take hold.

“I don’t think we fully appreciate the scale at this point, which is not to say the problem is going to get worse only that we don’t know,’’ Mr Roberts Smith said.

The prime minister left the door open to a broader or separate inquiry into indigenous suicide.

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