"Australian Government Response to the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
On 8 July 2021, following agreement by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Australian Government established a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The inquiry’s Terms of Reference enable it to examine systemic issues and risk factors relevant to defence and veteran death by suicide, including all aspects of support available to defence members and veterans. The Letters Patent establishing the Royal Commission recognise the need for it to establish accessible and appropriate trauma-informed arrangements for people engaging with the inquiry.
Since commencing its work, the Royal Commission has held hearings in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Townsville and Hobart. It has heard evidence from witnesses with lived experience or special expertise of defence and veteran suicide and witnesses from ex-service organisations, charities and Commonwealth agencies, including former ministers, Service Chiefs and their Senior Warrant Officers.
On 11 August 2022 the Royal Commission released its Interim Report, which made 13 recommendations. This document outlines the Australian Government’s response to each of these. As the Royal Commission continues its important work, additional hearings will be held across the country to give all of those impacted by this issue the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The Royal Commission’s final report is due to be handed down by June 2024."
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