Royal commission into veteran suicide final report revealed

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has handed down its scathing final report, demanding urgent and systemic changes to address a ‘catastrophic failure of leadership at all levels’.
 
Sexual abuse, a disciplinary system ‘being weaponised against those who complain’, inadequate transition arrangements, and an ‘unfair’ Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims processes – the landmark report lays bare the ‘national tragedy’ facing veterans’ health.
 
The long-awaited seven-volume final report was released on Monday and contained 122 recommendations to improve the health of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.
 
After three years, the report’s key recommendations highlight the need for a significant crackdown on sexual abuse and bullying within the ADF, as well as the urgent introduction of initiatives to help veterans transition back into civilian life and changes to veteran entitlements.
 
Specifically for GPs, it recommends an increase to the DVA’s fee schedule so it is aligned with that of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and can ‘mitigate the challenges faced by veterans in accessing healthcare’.
 
It also recommended the military cultural competency in health professions working with veterans be improved, and that the DVA develop a plan to expand and strengthen specialised healthcare for veterans.
 
It has called for a new executive agency to be created in the DVA to take responsibility for supporting members to transition into civilian life, which would include established meaningful relationships with serving members as soon as they begin a pathway towards transition.
 
The report said this new agency must proactively reach out to ex-serving members in the 12 months after they leave the ADF to understand their experience of transition, how they are adjusting to civilian life, and connect them with supports delivered by the Australian Government.
 
‘We have also found that a more transparent, collaborative and sustainably resourced research program is required to improve Defence and DVA’s understanding of the risk and protective factors associated with military service and post-service life,’ it said.
 
It called for the Federal Government to remove the service differential for permanent impairment compensation and expand mental health support to all reserve personnel, implement combined benefits processing for all initial liability and permanent impairment claims, and improve timeliness and reporting on information-sharing.
 
It also recommended implementing a clear and consistent framework for members and their families to address the psychosocial aspects of reintegration post-deployment, and significant changes to the ADF’s recruitment and initial training.
 
Dr Kerry Summerscales, a Queensland GP and former Army Major in the ADF for 30 years, welcomed the 3000-page report, and said she constantly bears witness to the emotional scars carried by her veteran patients.
 
‘As someone who sees female veterans a lot, I have heard the most horrendous stories,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘We need to be supported during transitioning out [of the ADF] and they need to train us – they train us to be military, they need to train us again to be a civvy.
 
‘I am happy with the 122 recommendations, and I believe that they have hit many, many, many of the major issues, I’m also very pleased that one of their recommendations is that it continues and it gets reviewed.’
 
The Commission demanded an overhaul of the ADF’s response to help victims of sexual violence, and to foster a strong culture of reporting unacceptable behaviour, after the true extent of the issue was highlighted.
 
It called for public reporting on ADF culture, health and wellbeing, ensuring promotion selection processes reward leaders who have a positive impact on wellbeing and culture, and an external, independent, expert inquiry into sexual violence in the ADF.
 
‘While both women and men experienced military sexual assault, men were principally assaulted in unit hazing or initiation incidents by other men, while women were primarily assaulted by male peers or commanders,’ the report said.
 
It also called for an increase in employment opportunities within the ADF for members who are no longer able to be deployed due to illness or injury.
 
Commission Chair Nick Kaldas is also calling for the establishment of a permanent, powerful oversight body to monitor the implementation of its recommendations to ensure real change occurs.
 
The report’s released comes as at least 1677 serving and ex-serving defence personnel died by suicide between 1997 and 2021 – more than 20 times the number killed in active duty over the same period.
 
Mr Kaldas said it is clear there has been a ‘catastrophic failure of leadership at all levels’ to prioritise the health and wellbeing of serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families.
 
‘The problems contributing to this national tragedy are now undeniable and must be dealt with, once and for all,’ he said.
 
‘Australia cannot afford for this royal commission’s final report to end up on a shelf gathering dust.
 
‘We’ve provided Government a robust, evidence-based blueprint for real, meaningful and long-lasting reforms to drive improved health and wellbeing outcomes for our sailors, soldiers and aviators – and, ultimately, save veterans’ lives.’
 
According to the commission’s own research, one veteran has suicide-related contact with police and paramedics across Australia every four hours, and ex-serving men and women were more likely to be admitted to hospital for a self-harm-related diagnosis than other Australians.
 
Since it was established in July 2021, the royal commission has hosted 12 public hearings with evidence from over 340 witnesses, conducted almost 900 private sessions, and received more than 5800 submissions.

The commission’s interim report was released in August 2022 and included 13 recommendations, with the Federal Government agreeing to simplifying compensation and rehabilitation laws, reduce the claims backlog, and improve administration.
 
Federal Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Government will now take time to carefully consider the recommendations of the final report.
 
‘I thank the members of our Defence Force, our veterans and their loved ones who bravely shared their stories with the royal commission,’ he said.
 
‘Our priority is ensuring that those who pursue a career in the ADF have a safe and inclusive workplace and are supported from the time they join, through transition, and after service.’
 
If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Open Arms on 1800 011 046 for dedicated mental health support for navy, army and air force personnel, veterans and their families.
 
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ADF Australian Defence Force mental health royal commission suicide veterans’ health