Veteran charity Soldier On is calling on the federal government not to lose momentum in acting on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The Commissioners delivered the final report on 9 September, and the government has today announced its response to the report’s 122 recommendations, agreeing or agreeing-in principle to 104 of them.
Soldier On Chairman Lt Gen Peter Leahy AC (Ret’d) said that while the response was welcomed, it was vital that momentum was not lost in enacting real and practical changes based on the recommendations, which aim to improve life for serving and ex-defence personnel, their families and support networks.
“We’re pleased to see that the government has given this important matter the focus it deserves, with its quick response to the Royal Commission’s report and agreement to most of the recommendations,” Lt Gen Leahy said.
“Today’s response talks a lot about further consultation and future consideration, and we urge the government not to let this critical matter fade into the background in the New Year.”
“Soldier On looks forward to lending its expertise to the conversation as it progress.”
“We stand ready to work in partnership with government and other ex-service organisations to implement the recommendations, particularly around transitioning from the ADF, families and support networks – important areas in which Soldier On has operated successfully for more than a decade,” Lt Gen Leahy said.
