Defence welcomed the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen its approach to mental health, wellbeing and workforce culture, and to improve the experiences of Defence personnel. Defence also acknowledges and thanks the current and former serving personnel, veterans and family members who courageously shared their experiences with the Royal Commission.
Since 2024, Defence has been implementing the recommendations in a timely manner. We are working towards meaningful and enduring change, with a focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of our people.
Background
The Royal Commission was formally established by the Australian Government on 8 July 2021. The inquiry examined systemic issues and common themes associated with deaths by suicide among Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans, including suspected suicides and the lived experience of suicide risk.
The Royal Commission concluded its inquiry on 28 August 2024. It delivered its Final Report on 9 September 2024, and it was tabled in Parliament on the same day.
On 2 December 2024, the Government response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report was provided, agreeing or agreeing in principle to 104 recommendations and noting 17 recommendations for further work.
On 9 September 2026, the Australian Government announced it had updated its response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report. This reflects its ongoing commitment to implementing the recommendations and the significant progress made across government agencies over the previous two years. The update included changes to the status of 15 recommendations, including several that had previously been noted for further work and have now progressed to either agreed-in-principle or agreed. This demonstrates continued progress in identifying and implementing practical reforms.
Milestones
The key milestones related to the Royal Commission are:
- 9 September 2026: Government update released; status of 15 recommendations updated
- 2 December 2024: Government response to the Final Report released
- 9 September 2024:Royal Commission Final Report delivered and tabled in Parliament
- 28 August 2024: Inquiry concluded
- 11 August 2022: Interim Report delivered
- 8 July 2021: Royal Commission established