Consultation response: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide terms of reference

Mental Health Australia provided a response to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs public consultation regarding the Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Mental Health Australia supported the Department’s proposed themes, and further called for a focus on the transition from military to civilian life, the experience of defence personnel and veterans in making claims and accessing government services, and stigma regarding mental ill-health and help-seeking. Mental Health Australia recommended the Royal Commission should have regard to the extent to which the recommendations of previous relevant inquiries have been implemented, and make recommendations to improve government services for veterans and mitigate risks in the transition period. Mental Health Australia strongly argued that people with lived experience should be represented at every stage and level of decision making in the Royal Commission’s inquiry, and that from the outset the inquiry must be conducted with a trauma-informed approach.