One year after the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide delivered its final report, the senior officer supporting the Defence response said the priority was the immediate health and safety of ADF personnel.
Director-General Defence Royal Commission program management office, Brigadier Melanie Cochbain, said Defence was responsible for implementing 54 of the commission's 122 recommendations, and shared responsibility for 23.
"One year on, we have taken major steps forward in addressing these reforms," Brigadier Cochbain said.
"Defence is prioritising reform activities related to mitigating health and safety concerns for ADF personnel, addressing sexual violence.
"We have commenced implementation for 48 of these recommendations, and work is also well progressed for the remaining 29 recommendations."
She said some actions were taken during the Royal Commission's three-year inquiry, as the evidence was presented, and in response to the interim report of August 2022. Other actions required longer-term legislative change.
This whole-of-government effort would continue for a number of years, with oversight from the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission, once fully established.
The Government's Royal Commission Implementation Task Force identified four priorities: wellbeing, addressing military sexual violence, changes to the military justice system, and the establishment of a Defence and Veterans' Services Commission.
Defence established the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Defence Implementation Program Board, chaired by the Chief of the Defence Force, with responsibility for governance and oversight of reforms.
"The Defence Royal Commission program management office has been set up to support the implementation process," Brigadier Cochbain said.
"It ensures work is organised, tracked, and that everyone knows their role; much like an operations cell on a ship or in a unit.
"This work is critical to building a safer, more supportive Defence environment, where those who serve feel heard and supported, and to enable a positive experience of service in the ADF."
She said the Royal Commission was the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities.
ADF personnel and their families can contact Defence Member and Family Support on 1800 624 608 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au. Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Progress since the Royal Commission's final report includes:
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