Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence & Trade – Inquiry into suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel

This Senate Inquiry was successfully moved by Senator Jacqui Lambie. Here are the details. You are encouraged to make a submission.

On 1 September 2016 the Senate referred the following matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 March 2017:

Submissions to this inquiry close on 7 October 2016.

In terms of setting expectations, the committee emphasises that it is not in a position to address individual claims of rehabilitation or compensation for veterans and ex-service personnel. The committee’s focus is on the broad issues raised in the terms of reference of the inquiry.

Terms of Reference

Inquiry into suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel with particular reference to:

1. the reasons why Australian veterans are committing suicide at such high rates,
2. previous reviews of military compensation arrangements and their failings,
3. the Repatriation Medical Authority’s Statements of Principles, claims administration time limits, claims for detriment caused by defective administration, authorised medical treatment, level of compensation payments, including defence abuse, as contained in all military compensation arrangements,
4. to investigate the progress of reforms within DVA,
5. the administration of claims by DVA and the legislative or other constraints on effective rehabilitation and compensation for veterans, and
6. any other related matters.

Submissions. 

How to make a submission
The committee invites individuals and organisations to send in their opinions and proposals in writing (submissions)

Preparing a submission to an inquiry

You can view all submissions here

Committee home page

Committee  Members:

Chair – Senator Alex Gallacher ALP SA

Deputy Chair – Senator Chris Back LPA WA

Senators – Sam Dastyari ALP NSW

               – David Fawcett LPA SA

               – Scott Ludlham AG WA

               – Claire Moore ALP QLD

The committee recognises that this inquiry will deal with matters which could be distressing for some persons. Persons interested in the inquiry who are seeking support or information about suicide prevention are able to contact a number of organisations including:

Lifeline on 13 11 14;
the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046; and
MensLine on 1300 78 99 78.
Committee Secretariat contact:

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
Department of the Senate
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3535
Fax: +61 2 6277 5818
[email protected]