‘Painful memories’: Local veteran discusses dangers of Royal Commission

“I just hope they don’t push the envelope too far with delving into people’s repressed memories, because suicide is not a thought that you want to hold on to, it’s not a cherished memory.”

Former Searching Commander Stix McGavin.

A Fraser Coast veteran and mental health advocate has shared his thoughts on the dangers of the Royal Commission.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Australian Government would recommend the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to Governor-General David Hurley about three months ago, on April 19, 2021.

The governor-general agreed with the initiative, issuing Letters Patent, last Thursday, April 8, where the Royal Commission became established.

The Governor-General is a former senior Army officer, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership during Operation SOLACE in Somalia in 1993.

Former Searching Commander Stix McGavin raised with the Chronicle concerns he has about the Royal Commission, and hopes “they don’t push the envelope too far”.

On the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission, Stix said it seemed to allow “the power to go into any (veteran) case (the Australian Government) want to.”

“I don’t believe (being able to obtain all personal data is) a healthy way to go about it,” he said.

“I just hope they don’t push the envelope too far with delving into people’s repressed memories, because suicide is not a thought that you want to hold on to, it’s not a cherished memory.

“I believe if someone doesn’t want to talk, they shouldn't be forced to.”

Stix McGavin and his wife Ellyn Joy.

When “digging up” past instances for the commission, Stix said “the potential to be very damaging” is likely.

“If they start asking me questions about why it happens and were there warning signs, I’m going to start self-doubting and questioning myself about why I missed (warning signs),” he said.

“It could be very beneficial for some ... it depends how they execute and go about it ... if they're very transparent, they shouldn't have an issue.”

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien took to social media to share his response on the establishment of the Royal Commission.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien took to social media on April 8, to note the commission, which he has been a strong advocate for.

In his post, he wrote: “The establishment of the Royal Commission today is the culmination of a lot of work by the veteran community, and I hope it is the beginning of righting this wrong, so our veterans can access the support they deserve and need ... I acknowledge that this will be a painful process for many and extra support will be needed to help people through it.”

Stix said it was good to see Mr O’Brien realising how difficult the process will be, but also he’s disappointed in how this was something mostly pushed by the veteran community, as Mr O’Brien had stated.

“I’m a little bit disappointed that the government is more reactive and proactive when it comes to the inquest, as Llew said, it is very much run by veteran community,” Stix said.

An interim report is due by the Royal Commission on August 11, 2022, and a final report is due on June 15, 2023.

“We’re having so many suicides, by August next year, there will be another 50 ... They're not going to be able to get to get on top of it,” Stix said.

“My heart goes out to those that have to relive these painful memories.”

Lifeline 13 11 14

Headspace 1800 650 890

Beyondblue 1300 224 636

Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467

Open Arms (free and confidential support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families) 1800 011 046

ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (for current serving ADF personnel and their families) 1800 628 036

Safe Zone Support (for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families) 1800 142 072

Originally published as ‘Painful memories’: Local veteran discusses dangers of Royal Commission