The Royal Commission has been established following an agreement by the Governor-General on 8 July 2021.
The Government has now released the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission. For more information on the Royal Commission, including the Terms of Reference and how to make a submission, please visit the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission – external site website.
The RARA is totally supportive of this initiative and we encourage any individual or Battalion/RAR Association to make a submission if they have reason to do so.
So many of us have been touched by suicide or attempted suicide by our veteran’s brothers and sisters and if we have strong views about this and suggestions as to how we can prevent further losses, we should not hesitate in making a submission.
The reasons why some individuals succumb to what is a tragic event is very complex and very difficult to pinpoint as to why, in particular, if there has been no indication by the deceased as to what has precipitated this final act. But, if any individual or organization has evidence of what may have triggered the suicide, you are encouraged to make a submission based on facts, not suppositions. One suicide is one too many and hopefully, the focus is on prevention and leadership in this difficult space which is a national tragedy.
The RARA will be making its own submission but as highlighte above all individuals and Battalion and RARA Associations are encouraged to make their own submissions here. Submissions close on the 31 March 2022.
Duty First
Michael von Berg MC OAM
Chair and National President
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