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A royal commission has been established to investigate the “systemic issues" associated with suicide among veterans and serving Defence personnel.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has officially called a royal commission into veteran and serving Defence personnel suicide, set to examine the “systemic issues” and “common themes” surrounding confirmed and suspected suicides., while also reviewing the experiences of at-risk members and veterans.
A National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention has been tasked with supporting the commission and overseeing the implementation of prospective recommendations.
The announcement follows the passing of a motion in both houses of Parliament last month in support of the commission. This was in response to active lobbying from the families and friends of suicide victims.
More to come
ADF members and their families can contact the Defence All-hours Support Line, a confidential telephone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1800 628 036. Defence families can also contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
Safe Zone Support (1800 142 072) is also available as a free and anonymous counselling line for current and former ADF personnel and their families. The service is available 24/7 and provides access to specialised counsellors with an understanding of military culture and experience.
Defence personnel, veterans and their families can also access free and confidential counselling 24/7 through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service (1800 011 046) or online at www.openarms.gov.au.
[Related: Soldier On launches suicide prevention campaign]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
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