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The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is urging the Australian Government to take comprehensive and sustainable action to implement the recommendations outlined in the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Tabled in Federal Parliament today, the report marks the end of the Commission’s three-year inquiry and RSL Australia extends its appreciation to the Commissioners for their work and commitment to shine a light on issues that are detrimental to the health and wellbeing of veterans, current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and their families.
RSL Australia President Greg Melick said that since the Royal Commission was established in July 2021, the Commissioners had worked tirelessly to hear from hundreds of individuals who bravely shared their personal stories, as well as reading thousands of submissions about their lived experiences.
“The RSL is indebted to every individual who shared their story and stands ready to play its part in bringing about meaningful change,” Greg Melick said.
“The Final Report demonstrates how Australia has systematically failed those who have served and continue to serve our nation, and importantly, it provides a clear pathway to redress those failures,” he said.
“The RSL calls on the Australian Government to accept the report and immediately commence the implementation process.
"The RSL is reiterating its call for the establishment of an independent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Wellbeing to lead the implementation of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission and to ensure there is a sustained and permanent watch on the health and wellbeing of veterans, ex-serving ADF members, and their families.”
Greg Melick said over the past three years, the Returned & Services League had advocated that the implementation of recommendations can best be achieved through the establishment of an independent and enduring entity.
“It is critical that Government, Defence and the ex-service organisation sector – including the RSL, work together and act,” Greg Melick said.
“We recognise that the RSL has a role to play, including to continue to collaborate with the wider ESO sector, but it is imperative that the Australian Government continues the momentum from its implementation of earlier interim recommendations by ensuring appropriate funding and resources are allocated to respond to the recommendations in the Royal Commission’s final report.
“Around 147,000 RSL members in communities across Australia stand ready to help inform, support and deliver the Australian Government’s response to recommendations of the final report.
“We can’t ignore the experiences outlined in this report, that’s why the RSL is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families remain at the heart of this critical work.”
If you or someone you know needs support or are feeling distressed by the report, please reach out to:
- Open Arms – 24-hour veteran and families counselling: 1800 011 046
- Defence Member and Family Helpline –24-hour emergency and crisis support: 1800 624 608
- Lifeline Australia – 24-hour crisis support: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 24-hour counselling service: 1300 224 636
To read the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, visit: https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au
