We must never forget the past, but the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is an opportunity to use this momentum so we can all find a way forward.
No amount of work can undo the pain incurred by the many families and communities damaged by the loss of loved ones, nor the frustration of those failed by a system inadequately equipped to meet their needs.
As a national veteran support charity for more than a decade, Soldier On has been actively involved in the Commission through its Stakeholder Reference Group, and, like others across the Defence and veteran sector, we have been saddened by the tragic and all-too familiar stories of loss and suffering.
We must however learn from these tragic circumstances and strengthen our capacity to support Australia’s serving ADF, veterans and their extended families in this historic and defining moment for our Defence personnel and those who have served our country as the report is handed down.
With the historic tabling of this long-awaited and much-anticipated report, we also cannot forget the unbridled effort from Chair Nick Kaldas APM, Commissioners the Hon James Douglas KC and Dr Peggy Brown AO, plus the critical contributions of numerous community organisations and ex-service organisations (ESOs).
And of course, we salute and will never forget all those who have bravely come forward to share their, at times, heart-breaking experiences – matching the courage many of the witnesses have shown in their service to country.
While I do not possess a crystal ball to reveal the recommendations before they are handed down, Soldier On has been encouraged by the findings in the interim report, particularly regarding urgent actions required, including the overhaul of veteran compensation and rehabilitation laws, and we are pleased to see the Commonwealth Government has already made an effort to address them.
Soldier On also acknowledges the interim report’s focus on underrepresented issues around the vital role families play in supporting the health and wellbeing of current and former-serving ADF members. We are proud to say that in addition to our transition services, we have a strong focus on supporting families, including extended family members.
We also can’t forget the Commission’s call for the establishment of an entity to monitor the implementation of its recommendations to drive lasting change around defence and veteran suicide and suicidality. We are proud to stand ready to assist in implementing the functions, operating models and legislative requirements of such an oversight body.
We cannot take our foot off the gas to ensure the final recommendations are enacted.
Soldier On is proud to be a national veteran-trusted charity, supporting ADF service life, positive transitions of success at the end of people’s service and offering an ongoing safety net following that vital service.
Moving forward, we want to continue to work as a constructive and trusted ESO partner to Government – alongside Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs –to actively improve the health and wellbeing of serving ADF members, veterans and their families. We will, of course, continue to partner with other ESOs to help achieve the best outcomes.
Ultimately though, as a collective we are all responsible for ensuring that future generations of servicepeople are spared the unnecessary hardship experienced by their predecessors.
It is time to maintain momentum and move forward for the future defence of Australia. We must soldier on.
