Veteran suicide was put in the spotlight on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing the creation of a permanent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention in a bid to help save lives.
While not a royal commission, the independent body will have the enduring power, scope and resources to investigate suicides and related issues as they arise.
“I have thought long and hard about the best response to this issue. I have spoken to veterans right across Australia and I have met with their families and also local, state and national organisations. I believe what we have developed addresses the needs of those veterans, their families and our serving men and women,” said Mr Morrison. “We will be permanently vigilant about their welfare.”
The announcement was welcomed by veteran support service Melbourne Legacy.
“We understand the devastation veteran suicide has on families and we welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister to appoint a National Commissioner and a Veteran Family Advocate,” Chief Operating Officer, Ken Tsirigotis told Neos Kosmos.
“We sincerely hope that this initiative identifies the causes of veterans taking their own lives and ensures fail safes are identified and actioned.”
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The government will initially invest $40 million to support the Commissioner’s work. The first step will be a review of more than 400 known veteran suicide cases that date back to 2001, with an interim report to be delivered within 12 months. Bereaved family members will also have a chance to engage in the process if they wish.
“This will be a transparent report directly to the Parliament on an annual basis on suicides within the defence and veteran community, including an update on the implementation and evaluation of measures to reduce suicide risk factors,” Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester explains.
Meanwhile a Veteran Family Advocate will also be appointed within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to directly engage with families of veterans.
“The new Veteran Family Advocate will focus on mental health and suicide prevention, and contribute to our understanding of risk factors relating to the well-being of veterans and their families, particularly during transition from the ADF,” Mr Chester said.
“We want to assure defence and veterans’ families that help is available now and it can make a difference.”
Current ADF members, veterans and their families who require support can contact the Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling service 24/7 on 1800 011 046.
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