RSL SOUTH AUSTRALIA SUPPORT OF THE
ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DEFENCE AND VETERAN SUICIDE
The Returned & Services League of Australia is urging the Australian Government to take comprehensive and sustainable action to implement the recommendations outlined in the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: https://www.rslaustralia.org/latest-news/rsl-welcomes-royal-commission-into-defence-and-veteran-suicides-final-report-calls-for-immediate-action
9/9/2024 Final Report To read the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide,
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Established in July 2021, with the intent to identify the causes and recommend procedures to negate the circumstances which lead to suicide, and attempted suicide, by serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), veterans and ex-ADF members. Three Royal Commissioners, independent of government and departments, were appointed to review previous reports, conduct private and public hearings across the country and to encourage submissions from veterans and families. Their findings and recommendations to improve the identified factors that lead to suicides and to implement preventative measures have been made and are ongoing. They include legislative reform, procedural improvements, culture changes, education and monitoring personnel.
An interim report was tabled in August 2022 and is available here bit.ly/3zKTkNb. In April 2022 the Chair of the Commission announced an extension of the inquiry as vital to thoroughly investigate the complex factors that contribute to deaths by suicide. The Commission also made other recommendations, as necessary, without waiting for its final report in September 2024.
To keep up to date with the work of the Royal Commission, visit https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/ where you can sign up for their regular email updates. Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/roycommDVSRC, Twitter Page https://twitter.com/roycommDVSRC
Strong leadership and accountability at all levels are vital to ensuring the health and wellbeing of ADF members, veterans and their families. In the Royal Commission’s search for answers to the national tragedy of Defence and veteran suicide, it has examined all aspects of service and post-service life – including the chain of command and the impact of leadership.
‘Shining a Light: Stories of Trauma & Tragedy, Hope & Healing’ honours those who have courageously come forward and shared their lived experiences. This special book tells their deeply personal, often-harrowing stories in their own their words. Download the Download the book here: https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/shining-light
RSL Australia Submission to the Royal Commission In 2021 RSL Australia (RSLA) requested reports from each RSL State Branch, to be collated and submitted to the Royal Commission. RSL South Australia appointed an experienced, three person panel which liaised with Sub-Branches and members, conducted meetings and interviews and prepared a six page summarised report for inclusion in the RSLA submission.
Read the RSLA submission, includes RSL SA input.
RSL Australia Harmonisation of Legislation Report, includes RSL SA input.
RSL South Australia
The RSL SA submission is included in the RSLA submission, above. Four members of the RSL SA/NT State Board, along with the CEO and Finance Manager, were in attendance for Hearing Block 10, held in Adelaide 17-26 July 2023. The State President and CEO also attended individual meetings with the Commissioners to discuss various programs and initiatives from the RSL.
SA ESO Consortium Submission The SA ESO Consortium is a group of 19 ex-service and associated veteran entities. Its collective membership includes the vast majority of the veteran population that reside in South Australia.
Consortium of SA ESOs Submission - Feedback in Response to the Commonwealth Government’s Proposed Veterans’ Legislation Reform Consultation Pathway.
RSL Care SA A not-for-profit organisation operating aged-care facilities, retirement living villages, and a homeless veteran accommodation and well-being program. RSL Care SA submission
