THE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DEFENCE AND VETERAN SUICIDE

The Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox acknowledges the Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report.

Of the 122 recommendations, the Government has agreed or agreed-in-principle to 104 recommendations, noted 17 recommendations for further consideration and one recommendation has not been supported in part.

In accordance with the report’s recommendations, the Albanese government will immediately establish a Defence and Veteran Service Commission, tasked with overseeing the reforms and instructing government with evidence-based advice to combat suicide.

A new agency focused on wellbeing will also be established under the Department of Veterans Affairs, which was criticised in the final report.

While announcing the imminent appointment of an interim head is a start, the Albanese Government needs to commence public consultation swiftly and any legislation required to ensure that the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission is implemented expeditiously.

“Tragically we have lost thousands of veterans to suicide over the last five years. We need to do more to support veterans who fought for us so we could live in a better world.” Andrew Willcox MP said.

The Australian Government has a responsibility to care for the physical and mental wounds of our ADF personnel and veterans.