December 2nd 2024.
The Australian government has taken a major step towards addressing the issue of defence and veteran suicide. After a thorough investigation by the Royal Commission, which spanned over 3000 pages, the government has accepted more than 100 recommendations for reform. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this decision today, stating that his government has acted swiftly in response to the royal commission's final report, which was released three months ago.
Albanese emphasized the importance of systemic change, stating that the government has the utmost respect for all Australians who have served in the military. He acknowledged that while they cannot bring back those who have been lost, they can take action to prevent future tragedies. This includes setting up a new Defence and Veterans Service Commission, which will work towards improving the culture, systems, and processes in defence, the ADF, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to promote mental health and wellbeing and prevent suicide.
Defence Minister Richard Marles also expressed his gratitude towards veteran advocate Julie-Ann Finney, whose tireless efforts led to the government holding a royal commission into veteran suicide. Marles announced that the Defence and Veterans Service Commission will begin its work immediately.
One of the recommendations accepted by the government is an independent inquiry into sexual violence within the Australian military. The government also agreed that sex offences such as stalking and abusively distributing intimate images should result in a mandatory discharge from service, subject to appeal. The government's response to the royal commission stated that sexual misconduct and unacceptable behaviour have no place in Defence.
However, there was one recommendation that the government did not support - removing the "service differential" for permanent impairment compensation. Albanese explained that this feature, which allows for higher compensation for servicemen and women who are injured or sick during operational service compared to during training, is regarded as important and will be maintained.
The Royal Commission's final report, with 122 recommendations, was delivered in September. This was the result of over a decade of lobbying by veterans and their families for an inquiry into veteran suicide. The government acknowledges the importance of addressing this issue and is committed to providing support and resources for those who need it. Support is available through various services such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and the Defence All-Hours Support Line.
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