The impact of postings and relocation on the wellbeing of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families will be examined at a public hearing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which begins tomorrow (Monday 17 July) in Adelaide.
The inquiry’s 10th public hearing, held at the Grand Chancellor Adelaide, will also examine issues relating to leadership, career management, promotions, and the effects of physical injury on mental health.
The Director of Veterans SA will give evidence about the effectiveness of the agency’s support for ex-servicemen and women and provide an update on its Veteran Wellbeing Centre. The inquiry will also hear evidence from other senior Government and Defence officials, workplace safety experts and lived experience witnesses.
Royal Commission Chair Nick Kaldas said it’s critical the inquiry hears from South Australia’s defence community, given the strategic importance of the state to Australia’s future Defence capability.
“The approximately 3,500 Air Force and Army personnel based at RAAF Edinburgh will have an important role to play into the future under the Defence Strategic Review, so it was wonderful to meet with some of the serving men on women out there last week to hear about their military experience,” Commissioner Kaldas said.
“We also know the defence industry in South Australia will be critical to the success of the AUKUS agreement with thousands of workers to be recruited as part of the nuclear-powered submarine-building program to be based here in Adelaide.”
This month marks two years since the Royal Commission began its inquiries into the high rates of suicide and suicidality in Australia’s military community, including at least 1,600 deaths by suicide between 1997 and 2020.
Mr Kaldas said the Commission is determined to find long-lasting solutions to the systemic, structural and cultural issues impacting the mental health and wellbeing of past and present Defence members and their families.
“We’re striving to address the high rates of suicide among our serving and ex-serving men and women and, at the same time, ensure a stronger and more sustainable Defence Force into the future.”
The Commission has received more than 3,800 submissions so far – 230 of those from South Australia. Local submissions have highlighted poor mental health outcomes following ADF service, issues relating to continuity of care and difficulties navigating DVA compensation claims.
Serving and ex-serving ADF members, their families and friends, and other interested individuals and groups are encouraged to share their story with the Royal Commission ahead of the closing date for submissions on 13 October 2023.
The Adelaide hearings will conclude on Wednesday 26 July.
