Royal Commission: ADF ‘people first’ priority just a motto

The Australian Defence Force continues to fail troops and their families despite mottos from service chiefs and the Albanese government of a ‘people first’ priority culture.

The Australian Defence Force continues to fail troops and the needs of their families despite “mottos” from service chiefs and the Albanese government of a people first priority culture.

In a scathing 15-minute update from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide at the end of its 10th public hearing, commission chair Nick Kaldas said ADF reforms were being hindered internally.

Notably, he said if there was not an urgent ADF shift to a “people first” culture for the health and wellbeing of troops, it would never meet recruitment targets of 80,000 personnel by 2040.

Mr Kaldas cited evidence about a lack of transparency and communication, shifting priorities, lack of organisational structure, commanders not receiving critical information about culture, and failure to meet deadlines of their own mental health strategy.

Commissioner Nick Kaldas as the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide hearing opened in Hobart.

“We are concerned that internal reforms being considered by Defence are taking too long and there is no certainty they will lead to meaningful improvements in members mental health and wellbeing,” he surmised.

“We also heard evidence of successful programs and research being discontinued or defunded by Defence that includes key initiatives to significantly reduce injury rates among military personnel ….

“There’s an old saying – that talk is cheap – and, sadly, in regards to addressing suicide and suicidality within the Defence and veteran population, there has been too much talk and not enough action which has cost – and continues to cost – many lives.”

Navy clearance divers during an exercise in Jervis Bay. Picture: Supplied

He said evidence of attempts by Navy clearance divers – which had suffered three deaths by suicide in their ranks – to offer expertise and advice to leadership about safety were rebuffed.

An “impressive” report by the Navy Clearance Divers Trust, including input from the Edith Cowan University, senior barristers and ex-divers which should have been a “call to action”, was also dismissed by the then RAN chief Vice Admiral Mike Noonan.

His response was sad, Mr Kaldas said, but the total silence from Navy chiefs today after the evidence was “disturbing”.

Vice Admiral Mike Noonan. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

“We’ve heard repeatedly from ministers and service chiefs, particularly in light of the Defence Strategic Review, about Defence’s people being its greatest asset,” he said in a veiled reference to ADF chief Angus Campbell and Defence Minister Richard Marles.

“One wonders then why more has not been done to address the cultural and systemic challenges our servicemen and women face at every stage of their military career.”

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Alison Frame answers questions at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide 10th Hearing Block in Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brenton Edwards

The commission noted the positive impact its interim report had had with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs new Secretary Alison Frame, who was working hard to effect change.

The next public hearing will be in Melbourne where Premier Dan Andrews is expected to give evidence.

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Originally published as Royal Commission: ADF ‘people first’ priority just a motto