Mission and vision

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (RCDVS) Defence Implementation Program’s mission is to prevent Australian Defence Force (ADF) and veteran suicide by promptly implementing the government agreed RCDVS recommendations and additional complementary reform initiatives.

The Program vision is to ensure all Defence personnel understand and actively seek to meaningfully address the factors that lead to suicide and suicidality in the Defence and veteran community.

Governance

The Program is overseen by the Chief of the Defence Force and an Implementation Program Board.

Scope

Defence is responsible for implementing 54 recommendations and jointly responsible for implementing a further 22 recommendations with Department of Veterans’ Affairs and other agencies. A Reform Management Plan (a Program governance document that outlines the plan for implementation) has been developed for each recommendation.

Approach

Defence listened carefully to the lived experience expressed by witnesses during Royal Commissions hearings and commenced work on key areas highlighted by the Commissioners. As a result many of the Reform Management Plans build upon work that was already underway in Defence.

Defence is working closely with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as we undertake reforms.

External oversight

The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) was established in response to Recommendation 122 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, to provide independent oversight of reform across the Defence and veteran ecosystem.

The DVSC began operations on 29 September 2025. Information regarding the roles and functions can be found on DVSC website.