Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim Report

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has today presented its interim report to the Governor General, His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).

With the interim report now public, RSL NSW commits to reviewing its findings and working across the sector to ensure that the report’s findings are delivered. Throughout the Royal Commission, we have collaborated with our colleagues in the RSL across Australia to share our insights and explain our services to the Commission.

We recognise the release of this interim report as an important milestone and reaffirm our support for the valuable work of the Royal Commission. RSL NSW will continue to support veterans and their families to safely share their experiences with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Royal Commission will accept submissions until Friday 14 October 2022.

The Attorney-General’s Department has advised that as a part of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide two types of legal assistance arrangements will be available – a legal financial assistance scheme and a national legal advice service. Please follow this link for information about the assistance provided by the Australian Government.

If you are thinking about testifying at a hearing, require support after listening to hearings or media coverage, or any other kind of help, the RSL NSW Royal Commission Office can provide support or direct you to the appropriate support for your needs. The Office’s contact details are submissions@rslnsw.org.au or 0499 441 291.

If you, or someone you know, needs mental health support, you can contact:

• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• Open Arms (current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families are able to seek this free and confidential support) – 1800 011 046
• ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (for current serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 628 036
• Safe Zone Support (for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 142 072. When you call Safe Zone Support, you do not need to identify yourself if you do not wish to.

To read the full interim report, please visit the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide website: Interim Report | Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.