The Melbourne Hearing Block for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will begin on Monday, August 28.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was established on 8 July 2021 and is a significant opportunity to address the devastating impact of Defence and Veteran suicide in Australia. RSL Victoria supports the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and welcomes the Royal Commission’s arrival in Melbourne.

Public hearings form an important component of the inquiry, helping the Royal Commission broaden its knowledge on matters including systemic issues risk factors, the availability of support services and more. The hearings are held across the country and allow the significant numbers of current and former Australian Defence personnel, including about 105,000 in Victoria, to share their knowledge and lived experiences directly with the Royal Commission.

If you would like to make a submission of your own to the Royal Commission, you have until 13 October 2023. Submissions are encouraged and anyone can make one. Please click HERE to make your submission.

To see RSL Victoria’s submission and letters to the Royal Commission, please click the links below.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Royal Commission in Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide may raise issues for some members. Help is available if you are in need of support.

If you are affected by any of the information released and need someone to speak to, please contact:

1300 MILVET (1300 645 838)

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046

Lifeline: 13 11 14

For emergencies, please call triple-0.

CLICK HERE for a full list of support service available.