One year ago today, on 8 July 2021, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), issued Letters Patent, which established the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Since then the Royal Commission has made...
The Parliament
The Government’s Model Litigant Policy — Ethical Issues
Tuesday 5th Jul 2022
The article by Philip Salem (Sparke Helmore Lawyers) is a reminder of the duties of government organisations to act as a model litigant and highlights some of the ethical issues facing lawyers forthose organisations. At the same time it is relevant knowledge for our...
Greg Shannon Commentary: Adam Bandt MP and the Australian National Flag
Monday 4th Jul 2022
This issue has seen a major outpouring of condemnation of the Greens Party Leader, from veterans many questioning if it was his own personal opinion alone or the policy of his Party. Here is the letter from retired Lt Col Greg Shannon to his Ryan electorate...
The Hometown Battlefield
Saturday 25th Jun 2022
With the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in progress it is relevant that this song by J P Cormier a Canadian, The Hometown Battlefield, which applies equally to our Australian veterans should be heard by all Australians. You are...
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide – DOD and DVA background papers
Friday 15th Apr 2022
These background papers were prepared by the Department of Defence, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. They have been published by the Royal Commission for the information of the public. The views expressed in these papers are not necessarily the views of the...
Extension for The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Monday 11th Apr 2022
Today the Morrison Government announced that it will extend the final report date for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to 17 June 2024.This extension provides an additional 12 months to recognise the broad scope of the Royal Commission’s inquiries...
Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide – Newsletter Edition 4 – 4 March 2022
Friday 4th Mar 2022
Hearing Block 3 - SydneyThe Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will hold its third public hearing in Sydney at the Pullman Hotel, Hyde Park from Monday 7 March to Thursday 17 March, 2022. People with lived experience, experts and representatives...
Media Statement: Veteran Suicide – Time for Reflection
Wednesday 29th Sep 2021
The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) welcomes the release of the fourthAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Report on suicide amongmembers of the ADF and Veteran communities. It is timely. In speaking on behalf of DFWA, its National President, Mr...
Annual AIHW Report Highlights Need For Veteran Support
Wednesday 29th Sep 2021
The Australian Government has today received a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) into the rate of suicide among serving and former-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Report outlines that of the almost 373,500 men...
Announcement from Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention
Wednesday 15th Sep 2021
To the veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force, families, friends, and others in the wider Defence community who have engaged with my work. I am writing to let you know that my appointment as the interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran...