PM: inquiry part of a ‘healing process’

A ROYAL commission into the shocking rate of veteran suicides in Australia will be “comprehensive” and have a mandate to examine the “systemic issues” and “common themes” among past deaths.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he would ask the governorgeneral to establish a royal commission into death by suicide for veterans, saying he had “listened” to past servicemen and women.

“I think and I hope it will be a healing process,” he said.

“I hope it will be a process by which veterans and families can find some comfort, but it obviously can’t replace the loss – we understand that.

“I think this will be a process that will assist in the comfort those families have been seeking.”

The PM said the royal commission would have a mandate to examine the “experience of members and veterans who may continue to be at risk of suicide” and “all aspects” of service in the Australian Defence Force.

He said it would also consider the experience of those transitioning from active service, and the availability and quality of health and support services.

It will also look at pre- and post-service issues for members and veterans, social and family contexts, housing and employment issues.

Mr Morrison said existing supports for veterans would continue while the royal commission took likely 18

Prime Minister Scott Morrison meets soldiers at Lavarack Barracks.

months to two years to make final recommendations.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester said the announcement was an opportunity to “reset the agenda” and unite the veteran community in what had been a very “difficult, sensitive and incredibly complex issue”.

“This announcement of a royal

commission is another step in our ongoing efforts to build confidence, to build trust but, perhaps most importantly, to restore hope for those who’ve suffered or are still suffering,” he said.

“We do understand that some people in our veteran community and their families will not heal until we have this royal commission.”

Heston Russell, who spent 16 years in the military, reaching the rank of Special Forces Commando Officer, welcomed the announcement but said it was “important” the commissioner had “broad powers”.

“I am very excited that we finally have some progress. Now we really need to make sure that accuracy and diligence is applied to terms of reference. We need to ensure those … appointed to lead the royal commission are eminent, as well as appropriate, so there’s maximum trust and participation from the veteran community.

“I now implore the government to engage with the veteran community and all sides of government to establish the proper terms of reference and to do it right and put politics aside.”

Lawyer and former army officer Glenn Kolomeitz said: “It’s been a long time coming. Admittedly we could’ve been a year into a royal commission.

“But regardless, this is a good thing that it’s happening. Now let’s get on with it and get the appropriate terms of reference written up from a broad consultation and make things happen.”

Former commando Damien Thomlinson, who lost both his legs to a Taliban-planted bomb while on night patrol in 2009, knows how hard it is to switch from a highly structured military career to civilian life. The 39-yearold has felt the pain of veteran suicides personally with two friends from his commando unit taking their lives.

“It’s a relief to see that leadership are giving the issue of veteran suicide the attention it deserves,” he said.