Government response to Royal Commission recommendations is not enough: “Lack of action will cost lives.”
Following the Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, RSL NSW is calling for the implementation of all 122 recommendations, including the 18 recommendations not yet accepted by the Government.
While RSL NSW welcomes the Government’s agreement or in-principle agreement to most recommendations, a partial response undermines the personal sacrifices of veterans and their families. Those veterans and family members contributed significant effort to the Royal Commission process, often reliving their trauma, to save the lives of others who serve our nation.
“The Royal Commission’s recommendations, if implemented fully, would be a lifeline for veterans and their families. Every single one of the recommendations represents a step towards a system that truly supports those who have served our nation,” said Mick Bainbridge, President of RSL NSW.
“What this government is proposing leaves behind at least one in seven recommendations. Picking and choosing which of the Royal Commissioners’ recommendations to accept is not enough – this lack of action will cost lives.
“When the nation needed them, our veterans answered the call. Now, veterans need Australia to answer theirs. This government must implement every recommendation so no veteran is abandoned in their time of need,” said Bainbridge.
“We welcome the Government’s establishment of a new statutory entity to oversee systemic reform. This entity is due to achieve legislated oversight by September 2025 – at that time it must be empowered to ensure all 122 recommendations are implemented, and to ensure a sustained and permanent watch on the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families,” said Isaac Ohlin, Head of Veterans Policy & Program Delivery.
As well as advocating for a permanent oversight body, RSL Australia and RSL NSW also identified seven high-priority recommendations for immediate implementation.
“The Government must act immediately to accept and implement all of the recommendations, and it needs to begin with seven we have identified as having the greatest impact,” Ohlin said. “These changes will make a real difference to veterans transitioning to civilian life, and accessing the care and support they need. Targeted, strategic action now – implementing these recommendations first – will save lives.”
The seven recommendations identified by the League as immediate priorities are:
- 81: DVA to fund a program to support members’ wellbeing during transition to civilian life.
- 87: Establish a new agency to focus on veteran wellbeing.
- 88: Develop a national funding agreement on veterans’ wellbeing.
- 89: Establish a national peak body for ex-service organisations.
- 99: Improve compensation advocacy.
- 101: Give Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients more choice and autonomy.
- 122: Establish a new statutory entity to oversee system reform across the whole Defence ecosystem.
Factsheet – statistics and insights related to veterans, veteran suicides, the Royal Commission, its recommendations, and RSL NSW.
