Ministerial Statement

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Veterans Affairs) (14:16): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I rise to recognise the release of the commonwealth Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report and reinforce the South Australian government's commitment to doing everything that we can to support the wellbeing of current and former service men and women, their families and the broader veteran community. There is no act of public service more noble or selfless than defending our nation as a member of the armed forces. These individuals put themselves at the most extreme personal risk to safeguard our freedoms and our peace. They deserve our deepest gratitude, respect and care in return.

The commonwealth government announced the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in 2021 following a passionate and determined campaign from families of veterans who lost their loved ones to self-harm on return from service. I recognise the power and bravery of these families who persisted through their trauma and pain in the mission to save lives and prevent the suffering of others.

The royal commission reports that between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 2021 there were 2,007 confirmed suicide deaths of individuals who had served at least one day in the ADF since 1 January 1985. It added the qualification that this number is highly likely to be an underestimate of the total. We have a duty to examine the causes of this tragedy and do what we can to prevent it.

The work of this royal commission is important. It included 12 public hearing blocks, which comprised 340 witnesses, 900 private sessions and more than 5,800 submissions. The report, handed down yesterday, runs over 3,000 pages and includes 122 recommendations. These recommendations are framed around five priority areas: prevent harm, intervene early, improve communication, coordination and collaboration, build capability and capacity, and strengthen oversight and accountability.

In my experience I have met many veterans, both current and former serving members of the ADF. It is important to recognise that most commonly those who leave service thrive in the next chapters of their lives, but there is a significant cohort who find the transition difficult or impossible. Some suffer in silence with invisible wounds and are led to the darkest of places. It is a terrible reality for too many that the threat to life does not abate simply because they take off the uniform.

I also recognise that moments such as these in our nation's history can be challenging for many in our community. I remind anyone who needs support that it is available. These services include Lifeline on 13 11 44, or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.

While the commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs has primary responsibility for the post care of our service men and women, our state government has a proud record of advocacy and service provision. South Australia was the first jurisdiction to recognise the importance of a dedicated state-based veterans' affairs portfolio, and Veterans SA was established in 2008. It is the lead advocate across the South Australian government on matters relating to veterans and their families, and works with ex-service organisations and civic groups that provide support when and where it is needed most.

I note the comments yesterday from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his commitment to thoroughly consider every recommendation, to work across the federal parliament and to meet our obligation to step up for the people who defend our country. This is a sentiment on which we can surely all agree. The commonwealth has undertaken to respond to the royal commission in a timely manner, while recognising the complexity and depth of its findings. We look forward to receiving the response, and a plan of action to achieve meaningful reform.

But I make this commitment to our veteran community in South Australia: we see you, we have heard your stories. We are indebted to your service. We will walk with you in the months and years ahead, and strive to protect you as you have served us.