ESORT Communique - Letter from the DVA Secretary
Dear ESORT members,
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has handed down its Final Report to Government. You can access the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide online by clicking here.
Firstly, I want to thank the many hundreds of veterans and family members who gave evidence to the Royal Commission, often revisiting traumatic moments in their lives. They have told their stories in order to improve the lives of future generations of Australian veterans and their families. Thank you.
This is a pivotal and highly important report, comprising over 3,000 pages of evidence, commentary and findings across 7 volumes. The Royal Commission has made 122 recommendations identifying systemic risk factors and overarching drivers of suicide and suicidality in serving and ex-serving ADF members.
The recommendations are focussed on harm prevention, early intervention, improved communication, coordination and collaboration, increased capability and capacity, and strengthened oversight and accountability. The recommendations are largely directed to Defence and DVA; as well as other agencies separately or in combination with Defence and DVA.
As I stated in my evidence to the Royal Commission, I acknowledge that in the past we have let down the veteran community and that going forward, we are committed to improving wherever we can.
The Final Report represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for meaningful change and, along with Defence, make every effort to address suicide and suicidality among our serving and ex-serving ADF personnel.
The Government will take some time to appropriately consider the recommendations and provide a whole-of-Government response in due course. DVA cannot comment on the Royal Commission’s recommendations ahead of the Government response. We will work closely with Defence and other relevant agencies in providing advice to Government relating to how the recommendations can be implemented.
Since becoming Secretary 18 months ago, I’ve been heartened by the high regard DVA staff have had for the Royal Commission. They recognise its value and are looking forward to doing whatever is necessary to make the Department and the broader veteran support system function better. DVA has actively supported and facilitated the work of the Royal Commission since its inquiry began.
We have taken significant action on the Royal Commission’s recommendations from the Interim Report. DVA’s commitment to supporting veterans and quickly implementing those recommendations has been demonstrated through:
1. Determining almost all claims in the original backlog identified by the Royal Commission.
2. Finalising Initial Liability claims received since 1 December 2023 in an average of around 70 days.
3. Continuing to work to determine old cases on hand.
4. Completing substantial work to simplify and harmonise the veterans’ legislation framework, with amending legislation introduced to Parliament in July 2024 following extensive public consultation.
5. Implementing substantial changes to processes and improvements to technology.
6. Continuing a cultural shift in client service delivery that has delivered positive outcomes for veterans and will continue to do so.
DVA will continue working to ensure that the significant investment by the Government – more than $12 billion every year – is best targeted to the services that make the most difference to the well-being of veterans and families. More information on our work in response to the Royal Commission is available on our website.
I would also like to remind the veteran community of the support services available:
If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone, you can call Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, Safe Zone Support can be contacted on 1800 142 072.
Other services are listed on the mental health support services page of the DVA website.
Kind regards,
Alison Frame
Secretary
