It’s been a big few months for the veteran community! Key announcement have included the release of new Census data – with specific ADF questions included in the Census for the first time ever – and the release of an interim report into the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
ABS 2021 Census
For the first time, the 2021 Census included questions about service in the ADF. The new data will be used to help improve support services and guide where those services should be located. Some of the key findings:
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was established on 8 July 2021 by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley, in recognition of the unacceptably high rates of suicide among the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and veteran community.
An interim report was delivered on 11 August 2022. You can read it at: www.defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/interim-report
The final report is due out next year, by 15 June 2023. You can still share you story by making a submission to the Royal Commission using an online form, or the paper form at:
submissions.defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/general/submissions/
Your submission may be made anonymously and it will still be reviewed by the Royal Commission.
If the Royal Commission raises issues that are personally challenging, we encourage you to reach out for support. There is 24/7 assistance available:
Open Arms (1800 011 046)
Defence Family Helpline (1800 624 608)
All-hours Support Line (1800 628 036)
The ADF Health and Wellbeing portal
Safe Zone Support (1800 142 072
Lifeline Australia (13 11 14)
Head to Health online resources
