Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today his government had initiated “one of the fastest responses in government” to a royal commission inquiry – the final report was released three months ago – and vowed there would be systemic change.
The PM revealed 104 of the 122 recommendations have been accepted, 17 have been selected for further consideration and one is not supported in part.
“We can’t bring back those who we’ve lost but we can fight to stem this terrible epidemic and strive to bring it to an end,” Albanese said.
“We have the deepest respect for every Australian who wears our nation’s uniform.
“We will work tirelessly to improve the system and keep them safe.”
As part of the government response, Albanese announced a new Defence and Veterans Service Commission would be established immediately.
“My government will establish a new Defence and Veterans Service Commission, to undertake the most comprehensive reform to the culture, systems and processes across defence, the ADF, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of service personnel and veterans,” he said.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Defence and Veterans Service Commission would begin work straight away.
He also gave special thanks to veterans advocate Julie-Ann Finney, who lost her son David to suicide in 2019.
Finney was integral in petitioning the government to hold a royal commission into veteran suicide.
“I thank Julie-Ann Finney, whose advocacy was at the heart of this royal commission occurring in the first place. But for her advocacy, this would not have happened,” he said.
Among the recommendations backed by the federal government will be an independent inquiry into sexual violence within the Australian military.
The government has accepted sex offences such as stalking and abusively distributing intimate images should result in a mandatory discharge from service, subject to appeal.
“Sexual misconduct and unacceptable behaviour have no place in Defence,” the government’s published response to the royal commission said.
“The rates of sexual violence being reported in the ADF are completely unacceptable.”
The only recommendation knocked back by the government was removing the “service differential” for permanent impairment compensation.
Albanese explained it was not supported as it allows for higher compensation for servicemen and women who are injured or sick during “operational type service” compared to during training.
“We regard that feature as being important. And that is why we have made the decision to maintain it,” he said.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide delivered its final report with 122 recommendations in September.
Veterans and their families had lobbied for an inquiry to take place for over a decade.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
If you are a current or former ADF member, or a relative, and need counselling or support, you can contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
