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The Returned & Services League of Australia has reiterated its call for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, no matter who wins the upcoming federal election.
RSL leadership have confirmed that the upcoming federal election provides the opportunity for all parties to commit to the crucial recommendations.
RSL National president Greg Melick said this national tragedy of suicide in the Defence and veteran community demanded urgent action and implementing all royal commission recommendations was one of the RSL’s five key election asks.
“The royal commission revealed the tragic and unacceptable loss of more than 1,677 Defence personnel and veterans to suicide between 1997–2021,” Melick said.
“The next government must act decisively to address this crisis and support those who have served. The first step must be to fully commit to implementing all 122 recommendations of the royal commission to ensure real, lasting change for our veterans and their families.
“The RSL is pleased with the Albanese government’s constructive response to the royal commission’s recommendations and recognises the significant progress already made. With the royal commission’s final report, Australia now has a comprehensive, evidence-based blueprint for delivering meaningful and sustainable reforms that will enhance the health and wellbeing of our serving ADF members, veterans and their families."
Melick said the establishment of the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission (DVSC) is a step forward, but its lack of true independence from the Defence portfolio is a concern. The incoming government must consult with the veteran community to guarantee that the DVSC is genuinely focused on veterans’ needs.
“The creation of a dedicated agency for veteran wellbeing within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is a crucial step, but the government must ensure this agency has the resources and mandate to deliver real, impactful support for veterans and their families.
“As well, substantial funding is required to modernise DVA’s outdated IT systems and improve communication between DVA, the ADF and other government agencies.”
Other policy initiatives that must be prioritised include enhanced transition support for veterans leaving the Australian Defence Force (ADF), ongoing funding for veteran housing, and sustained and recurrent funding for new and existing Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs.
Melick said the new government must act swiftly to establish a national peak body for ex-service organisations (ESOs), so that the ESO sector can effectively advocate for veterans’ needs and strengthen their voices in government.
“We ask all parties and candidates to seize the momentum created by the landmark royal commission, address this crisis and support those who have served our nation by driving cultural and systemic reform across the Defence and veteran ecosystem,” he said.
Looking ahead, the RSL emphasises that the ongoing commitment from all sectors of society, including all sides of politics, is essential to successfully implementing the royal commission’s vision.
“Independent oversight will play a crucial role in ensuring that these reforms continue to make a tangible and lasting impact, holding government and its agencies accountable to ensure the effective, timely and sustained delivery of these vital changes,” Melick said.
