On 8 July 2021 the Government announced the formal establishment of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The Royal Commission’s inquiry, which concluded on 28 August 2024, examined systemic issues and common themes in past deaths-by-suicide of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans. This included suspected suicides and lived experience of suicide risks.
The Royal Commission delivered its Interim Report on 11 August 2022, and the Final Report was delivered on 9 September 2024.
Defence welcomed the Royal Commission as an opportunity to learn and strengthen the Department's approach to mental health and welfare.
Defence thanks those serving and ex-serving personnel and their families who have bravely shared their stories with the Royal Commission.
The Government’s response, announced on 2 December 2024, outlines significant reform that will impact all of the Defence community. Defence and Department of Veterans' Affairs will now start to implement the agreed recommendations.
The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Personnel made a joint media release on the announcement.
The Chief of the Defence Force, the Secretary of the Department of Defence and the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs have made a statement on the release of the Government Response.
Defence support to the Royal Commission
Defence established a Taskforce to support the functions of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide while the inquiry was underway.
The Taskforce provided data and information requested by the Royal Commission, as well as wellbeing support for Defence witnesses. During the inquiry, Defence has:
- provided approximately 192,000 documents consisting of approximately 3.2 million pages in response to 710 notices from the Royal Commission
- written over 4,200 answers to notices
- supported 135 witness appearances at public hearings
- facilitated 27 visits to Defence establishments for the Royal Commissioners and their staff.
Defence has transitioned the Taskforce to lead the department to implement the recommendations agreed to by Government.
Information requests
To request information about Defence personnel required by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, use the Personal information request.
Resources
- Government Response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into the Defence and Veteran Suicide
- Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report
- Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s lived experience book:
Shining a Light – Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide interim report (PDF, 10.5 MB)
Government response to Royal Commission interim report (PDF, 321.41 KB)