Royal Commission Sydney Hearing Blocks - A Summary
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has completed its first three Hearing Blocks, with two Hearing Blocks in Sydney following the opening in Brisbane. During the 24 days of hearings so far, the Commissioners have pursued a broad and comprehensive line of inquiry, exploring key themes including:
A thorough understanding of suicide and suicide prevention
A lifetime wellbeing approach for Defence members and veterans
Gaps in data and analysis
Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations, interfaces, healthcare and provision of support
Justice and oversight mechanisms within the ADF
Transition and life after Service
The operations of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Interactions between Governments, non-government support organisations, such as ESOs, and veterans and their families
The governance, monitoring and implementation of system-wide recommendations
The third Hearing Block in Sydney heard, for the first time during the Royal Commission, from the Chiefs of the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force: Lieutenant General Rick Burr, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan and Air Marshal Mel Hupfield. Focusing particularly on the culture of the ADF, the information provided showed that although improvements were being made in this area, there is more work to be done.
The Royal Commission has so far received more than 1300 submissions and 250 requests for private sessions from across the country. The significance of the lived experience testimony to the conduct of the Royal Commission cannot be underestimated. It is a solemn reminder of the real-world impact of mental health and suicide on Defence Members, Veterans and their families, and the importance of the Royal Commission in achieving its aims of reducing or eliminating Defence Member and Veterans’ lives lost to suicide.
The RSL understands the fundamental importance of the work being done by the Royal Commission. The outcomes of the Royal Commission will help inform the work the RSL undertake in fulfilling its unwavering commitment to evolving and improving our delivery to better meet the needs of members, Veterans, Defence personnel, and their families. Some of the key current initiatives being pursued by the RSL include:
Implementing the RSL Australia Mental Health Initiative in partnership with Open Arms
Helping to expand the nationwide network of Veterans Wellbeing Centres
The RSL is committed to working with government, the ESO sector and veterans to maximise the wellbeing of Australia’s Defence member and Veteran community and provide support wherever it is required. The RSL is also there to provide support to any Veteran or their family that needs it during the Royal Commission process. If you are testifying, thinking about testifying, need support after listening to the hearing blocks or reading the media, or any other kind of help, we can provide support or direct you to the appropriate support for your needs.
The next public hearing will be in Canberra from 4 April, with hearings proposed for Townsville from 20 June, and for Hobart from 25 July.
