Geoff Brock MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
The South Australian Government has welcomed the release of the interim report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The Royal Commission’s interim report outlines preliminary observations in key areas including theories of suicide, data and suicide prevention, coronial processes, families, ADF culture, transition from the ADF, and consideration of what is required following the Royal Commission to achieve sustainable change.
The interim report also recommends that urgent action be taken to simplify and harmonise the key legislation that supports Australia’s veteran compensation and rehabilitation system as well as improvements to the approach to claims processing and action to eliminate the backlog of claims through the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
South Australian Minister for Veterans Affairs, Geoff Brock, said the state government’s lead agency for veterans’ affairs, Veterans SA, will closely review the Commission’s interim report and will work with other state government agencies and veteran support organisations about how best to support our veteran community now and when the final report is released.
Established in July 2021, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is examining systemic issues and risk factors relevant to suicide and suicidal behaviours of serving and ex-serving Defence members.
Public hearings in South Australia, as part of the Royal Commission’s investigations, are expected to take place in the first half of 2023.
The interim report is available for download and submissions are encouraged by anyone affected by Defence and veteran suicide.
For details on support services that are available visit veteranssa.sa.gov.au/services-and-support/
Quotes attributable to Geoff Brock
The South Australian Government supports the important work being done by the Royal Commission to bring about positive and long-term change for our veteran community.
I acknowledge the Royal Commission and the process associated with providing a submission may raise challenges for members of the veteran community and I encourage anyone who finds themselves in need of assistance to reach out for support from the various services available.
There is much work to be done and we are committed to implementing changes to improve the services available to the veteran community and ensure they have the best possible support for their health and wellbeing.
The interim report is available for download: https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/royal-commission-defence-and-veteran-suicide-interim-report
Submissions on the report can be made via the Royal Commission Website:
https://submissions.defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/general/submissions/
