Australian Government Commits to Overhaul Following Defence and Veteran Suicide Report
Sweeping reforms include new oversight bodies and policies to address systemic issues contributing to suicidality among defence personnel and veterans.
- The Albanese government has accepted 121 of 122 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, aiming to address a crisis that has claimed 1677 lives since 1997.
- A new Defence and Veterans Services Commission will be established by September 2025 to oversee systemic reforms across Defence and Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
- An executive agency focused on veteran well-being and a national peak body for ex-service organisations will be created to improve support and streamline advocacy efforts.
- Key reforms include expelling sex offenders from the Australian Defence Force and testing potential leaders for emotional intelligence to combat bullying and harassment.
- A taskforce within the Prime Minister’s Department will ensure implementation accountability, with the government pledging long-term commitment to prevent recommendations from being ignored.
The Age 
Crikey 
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
The Sydney Morning Herald 
SBS News 
The Guardian 
9News 
The Conversation 