Defence set for vital reform
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Defence reforms have been announced to tackle fatal systemic failures.
The Australian Government has formally responded to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, committing to an extensive reform agenda aimed at addressing long-standing health and safety concerns within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and veteran communities.
It follows the Royal Commission’s revelations of systemic failures in organisational culture and inadequate mental health support.
The Royal Commission, which began in 2021, examined the root causes of suicidality among serving and ex-serving personnel, highlighting troubling statistics.
Between 1985 and 2021, over 2,000 members of the ADF and veterans lost their lives to suicide, averaging three deaths every fortnight in the last decade.
Commissioners noted these figures are likely to be underestimates.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Government’s response will be a pivotal moment to address these preventable deaths.
“We have lost too many lives, and every single one is heartbreaking,” he said.
“Today’s response... is an historic opportunity to deliver lasting reform and support our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.”
In its formal response, the Government has agreed to or accepted in principle 104 of the Royal Commission's 122 recommendations.
Seventeen recommendations will be further considered, while one has been partially rejected. The reforms proposed are described as the most significant changes to Defence culture, systems, and processes in Australian history.
One of the key reforms involves the establishment of a new statutory oversight body that will independently monitor and advise on suicide prevention strategies within Defence.
An interim leader will be appointed to guide the organisation’s formation, with legislative backing for its permanent operation targeted for September 2025.
A taskforce within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will support the oversight body by coordinating reform efforts across government departments, consulting with external experts, and ensuring alignment with the needs of ADF personnel and veterans.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will also undergo significant transformation.
A new agency dedicated to veteran wellbeing will be co-designed with Defence families, aiming to better address mental health needs and streamline support services.
Additionally, the DVA will work on creating a national peak body for ex-service organisations to strengthen collaboration across veteran communities.
Cultural reforms within the ADF play a central role in the Government’s strategy.
Measures include improving leadership accountability, providing decompression and reintegration support for personnel following high-stress deployments, and addressing unacceptable behaviour.
To reduce barriers to reporting misconduct, the Defence Respect@Work Framework will be further developed, and protections for individuals involved in investigations will be strengthened.
A renewed focus on health and wellbeing will include better access to mental health screening, expanded mental health training, and the integration of lived experiences into suicide-prevention initiatives.
The reforms also call for the establishment of a research translation centre to enhance understanding of veteran health and the implementation of a program to prevent physical and psychological injury across Defence.
The Government has rejected one recommendation to equalise compensation for injuries sustained during training and war-like operations, citing divergent views within the veteran community.
Other recommendations, such as mandatory discharge for ADF members convicted of sexual offences, will be implemented through legislative amendments.
Acknowledging the scope of these challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations is essential despite the difficulties.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh similarly recognised the need for sustained effort, stating that these reforms represent a long-term process aimed at meaningful and enduring change.
The Government has highlighted some substantial progress made since the delivery of the Royal Commission’s Interim Report in 2022.
Initiatives already implemented include the elimination of a backlog in unallocated DVA claims, modernisation of ageing IT systems, and the introduction of new legislation to harmonise the veteran compensation system.
Investments in ADF workforce development, improved allowances, and enhanced service conditions have also begun to address the systemic issues identified by the inquiry.
By focusing on systemic change and prioritising health and safety, the Government aims to address the root causes of suicidality in these communities.
Any serving and former ADF personnel and their families needing support can contact Open Arms for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting www.lifeline.org.au.
