Royal Commission: Time for action
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has handed down its final report, including 122 recommendations for change to better support veterans. Now the vital work of implementation begins.
By Isaac Ohlin, Head of Veterans Policy and Program Delivery, RSL NSW
The following helplines are designed specifically for veterans and the family members of veterans:
- Open Arms 24-hour Support Line (1800 011 046)
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) All Hours Support Line (1800 628 036)
- Defence Family Helpline (1800 624 608)
Other general helplines include:
- Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Support (13 11 14)
- Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has released its final report, including 122 recommendations to improve services and support for veterans.
Now is the time for action. We cannot let this become yet another inquiry – three years of hard work by veterans and their families, including those who provided testimony and those who were there to witness it – without impact.
Throughout the Royal Commission’s hearings, the team at RSL NSW supported veterans and their family members who provided evidence and testimony, attended and summarised every hearing block, and began the process of creating a forum in which ex-service organisations can collaborate to maximise impact.
The forum will be central to our efforts as we advocate for the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations – a vital step towards ensuring that veterans’ wellbeing is supported from the first day they enter service onwards.
The Recommendations
The Royal Commissioners’ seven-volume final report includes 122 recommendations, and the Returned & Services League will work on an ongoing basis to see these implemented.
“150,000 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,” RSL Australia President Greg Melick said. “The RSL is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families remain at the heart of this critical work.”
A core recommendation is the establishment of a body to monitor implementation on an ongoing basis – this recommendation has the strong backing of RSL Australia, which has advocated over the past three years for the establishment of an independent and enduring entity.
“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,” Melick said.
“It is critical that Government, Defence and the ex-service organisation sector – including the RSL, work together and act.”
Commissioner Nick Kaldas APM warned against complacency.
“Australia cannot afford for this Royal Commission’s Final Report to end up on a shelf gathering dust,” Commissioner Kaldas said, referencing approximately 770 recommendations from 57 previous enquiries.
“We’ve provided Government a robust, evidence-based blueprint for real, meaningful and long-lasting reforms to drive improved health and wellbeing outcomes for our sailors, soldiers and aviators – and, ultimately, save veterans’ lives.”
