Remarks upon tabling of the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

I present the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide final report volumes 1-7.

And in doing so, I say that the Albanese Government welcomes this report. 

As the Prime Minister said earlier today, at the beginning of Question Time, I would like to acknowledge the many people across this parliament who have advocated for this Royal Commission of which the report is its product. 

I particularly want to acknowledge Julie-Ann Finney who is in the gallery today.

I know, and the Prime Minister knows, and I am aware that so many across this parliament know, that this report would not be tabled today but for Julie-Ann's advocacy. 

I have had the honour of meeting Julie-Ann and hearing firsthand her story, and her advocacy has been singularly brave. 

I want to say to Julie-Ann, that this report is for David, and for the many others like him who have worn our nation's uniform.

The Albanese Government called for the Royal Commission when in Opposition in December of 2019, and the Morrison Government commissioned the Royal Commission in July of 2021. 

Throughout this time the Royal Commission has conducted 12 public hearing blocks comprising of 340 witnesses, 900 private sessions and more than 5,800 submissions.

The report, and its 122 recommendations, over 7 volumes and more than 3,000 pages mark the culmination of the most significant, the most comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in the defence and veteran communities. 

The government thanks all of those who were brave enough to contribute to the inquiry. 

Those who told their story and came forward to give evidence. 

That act of bravery has made an enormous difference. 

The government also wants to thank the Royal Commissioners, Nick Kaldas APM, the Honourable James Douglas KC and Dr Peggy Brown AO for their thorough and their compassionate inquiry. 

Since coming to government we have continued to demonstrate our commitment to improving the welfare of defence personnel, veterans and their families. 

We have been working to deliver real change each and every day. 

In August 2022, the government acted quickly to table the interim report of the Royal Commission and in the process agreed to implementing all of its recommendations. 

Mr Speaker, wearing our nation's uniform is a sacred act. 

It is an act of service, service to all of us. 

It is an act of humility because inherent in the act is putting one's comrades in arms, one's community, the nation itself, ahead of oneself. 

Most significantly it is innate act of sacrifice, sacrifice every day, where so many of those days are spent away from family and friends, but sacrifice in the sense that in that most critical moment, in that darkest hour, there is a willingness in wearing our nations uniform to lay down one's life, in complete commitment to the decisions made in this building and on behalf of each and every one of us.

And so, it is utterly incumbent upon us to do honour to those who wear our nation's uniform. 

I have had the distinct pleasure- or privilege in meeting so many who have made this choice to understand what a special group of people they are, who decide to wear our nation's uniform. 

It is most important that we are doing everything within our power to make sure the environment they operate in is the best it can be. 

Our government's priority is in ensuring that those who pursue a career in the ADF have a safe and inclusive workplace and are supported from the time they join, through transition and service. 

The Royal Commission’s final report and recommendations will strengthen our approach to the mental health and welfare of defence personnel, veterans and families. 

And we will now work through the recommendations in a timely and methodical manner. 

The government, as the Prime Minister said, recognises today may be a mixed and difficult day involving significant emotions for people. 

And if you are struggling or in need of extra support, please know there are services available to you; Lifeline on 13 11 14, Open Arms, Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046. 

From here, Mr Speaker, the government is committed to responding to this report shortly.

We will do so soon. 

In a manner which is timely. 

We will do so with complete thoroughness, because those who wear our nation's uniform deserve nothing less. 

ENDS