ADSO WELCOMES THE CALL FOR A ROYAL COMMISSION

22 Apr 2021

The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO)1 congratulates the Prime Minister on his decision to establish a Royal Commission into veteran suicide. It welcomed the Government’s recognition of not only the depth of feeling within the veteran community regarding such tragedies but also by all sides of politics within the confines of both Houses of the Parliament. 

In speaking on ADSO’s behalf, its National Spokesman, Mr Kel Ryan, said that the Royal Commission was a positive step forward in the search for answers and committed the Alliance to fully support and cooperate with it. He proffered that:

  1. It was imperative that the work of interim National Commissioner for Defence and Suicide Prevention continue with her task to investigate cases of suicide not only in the veteran community but also among serving ADF members.
  2. It was important that the appointed National Commissioner and the Family Advocate and the Independent National Commissioner work in conjunction with the judicial inquiry so that the full spectrum of inter-related and complex issues which impact on the well-being of veterans and their families can be examined.
  3. It was critical that the true impact of the transition process from military service to civilian life be recognised as a potential contributing factor to suicides.  

ADSO views the Royal Commission as a new chapter in the care of Veterans and their families who served the nation’s bidding. The Inquiry is a positive step in the march to stop the tragedy that is Veteran suicide. 

ADSO looks forward to working closely with the Commission so that ultimately there is a marked improvement in Veterans’ mental health into the future.

Contacts:
National Spokesman: Kel Ryan (0418) 759 120
National Secretary Alf Jaugietis (0438) 282 282
http://www.adso.org.au/

1 ADSO comprisesThe Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA), Naval Association of Australia (NAA), RAAF Association (RAAFA), Royal Australian Regiment Corporation (RARC), Australian Special Air Service Association (ASASA), the Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Service Men and Women, the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia, Partners of Veterans Association of Australia, Royal Australian Armoured Corps Corporation (RAACC), the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association Australia (NMBVAA), Defence Reserves Association (DRA), Australian Gulf War Veterans Association, Australian Commando Association, the War Widows Guild of Australia, Military Police Association Australia (MPAA), the Australian Army Apprentices Association, the Women Veterans Network, and the Combat Support Association.