Veteran suicides ‘will only increase’

NIKKI Jamieson knows all too well about the cultural problems in the Australian Defence Force and the lack of mental health support for current and former military personnel.

Ms Jamieson (pictured) buried her 21-year-old son Daniel Garforth who took his own life on November 20, 2014 after he was “singled out” and “ridiculed” by some senior officials.

“I feel there are so many compounding issues surrounding those involved in the Brereton investigation and the fact that most senior officers are absolved from blame – reinforces the negative culture in the ADF of protection, corruption, deceit and lies sadly,” she said.

“Not to mention the lack of impartiality and bias that will be rife when investigations open up. “Fundamentally, to my understanding (the InspectorGeneral of the ADF) will be doing those investigations – defence investigating itself.”

Since 2014, Ms Jamieson has completed a Masters in Suicidology, undertaken a PhD in veteran suicide and has become an advocate on suicide prevention.

“I have a great deal of compassion for those involved, noting I do not condone murder or innocent killings in any way, shape or form. However this is not black and white,” she said.

“Those involved would have been under so much pressure and multiple and lengthy deployments which are evidenced to significantly impact mental health.”

She warned because of the “likelihood of moral injuries” and the subsequent investigations, Australians should expect to see a rise in veteran suicides and more distrust once proceedings commence.

“Yet again this is a systemic issue that needs addressing and I’m not confident that the ADF will do that,” she said.