RSL VICTORIA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION FOLLOWING THE FINAL REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DEFENCE AND VETERAN SUICIDE

Written by RSL Victoria
10 September 2024

On 9 September 2024, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down its seven-volume Final Report to the Governor-General, following which the report was tabled in the Federal Parliament.

At the culmination of the three-year inquiry into the alarming rates of suicide among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, RSL Victoria stands with the Defence and ex-service community in a united call for urgent action and the implementation of the Commission’s 122 recommendations.

Since the Royal Commission was established in July 2021, RSL Victoria has remained dedicated to supporting its efforts. The organisation has actively engaged in consultations on critical areas for action, including governance structures, legislative reforms, resource allocation, and targeted mental health initiatives.

The Royal Commission’s Final Report outlines several critical issues contributing to the high suicide rates among Defence personnel, including unacceptable behaviour, abuse, and inadequate transition arrangements. A key recommendation is the establishment of a permanent, powerful oversight body to monitor the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

“We are at the end of three years of confronting insights, and the beginning of what we all hope is long-overdue change – and better outcomes for those who served and who deserve so much better,” stated

Dr Rob Webster OAM, State President of RSL Victoria.

“While taking the time and effort to read and understand the Final Report and its recommendations, it is important that we acknowledge the brave and committed people who have helped drive the Royal Commission forward by speaking up about their experiences,” said Dr Webster.

“The Lived Experiences report, titled Shining a Light: Stories of Tragedy & Trauma, Hope & Healing, published in June this year, is another vital component of the Royal Commission’s findings. On behalf of the RSL in Victoria, I send grateful and sincere thanks for the honesty and bravery of all who contributed to this long and difficult process. The retelling of your experiences has directly influenced the Royal Commission’s Final Report, and it is a testament to your efforts.”

RSL Victoria is committed to collaborating with governments, Defence, and other exservice organisations to ensure the timely and effective implementation of all of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

“We recognise that the RSL Victoria has a vital role to play in this process. We are resolute in our commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this Royal Commission succeeds where 57 previous inquiries have not. Our 22,000 service members across Victoria stand ready to support and be part of meaningful, muchneeded change,” said

Dr Webster.

Acknowledging the challenging nature of the Royal Commission’s findings, Dr. Webster urged the veteran community to stay connected and support one another during this difficult time.

“As the leading ex-service organisation in the state, we must stay connected and united. The Final Report will be a tough read, but it is crucial that we keep our mates, members, veterans, and their families in our thoughts and check in on one another,” he said.

The Final Report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide can be read here.

For those requiring support or feeling distressed by the report, services are available:

• Open Arms – 24-hour veteran and families counselling: 1800 011 046
• Defence Member and Family Helpline – 24-hour emergency and crisis support: 1800 624 608
• Lifeline Australia – 24-hour crisis support: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 24-hour counselling service: 1300 224 636