The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has arrived in Adelaide, with Commissioners and staff to meet local serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members ahead of a public hearing which starts next week (Monday 17 July).
Commissioners Nick Kaldas APM, Dr Peggy Brown AO, and James Douglas KC will today (Wednesday 12 July) visit RAAF Base Edinburgh, where they will hear firsthand from serving members about the challenges and opportunities of military service, including the unique issues relating to life on base.
Commission Chair Nick Kaldas said base visits were an important part of the inquiry's work.
"We're able to hear directly from serving members about the issues that affect their day-to-day lives and also to see for ourselves what it's like to be on base, how they live and work - it's absolutely invaluable to understanding not only the pressures but the supports available," Commissioner Kaldas said.
Commissioners and staff will also meet with local ex-service organisations to update them on the inquiry's work and to hear their thoughts about the issues affecting South Australian-based veterans and their families, as well as the support services available to them.
While in Adelaide, Commissioners will also hold 19 private sessions, meeting face-to-face with people with lived experience of suicide and suicidality, to hear their deeply personal stories. The Commission has previously held 18 private sessions in South Australia.
The Commission has so far received around 230 submissions from South Australia, highlighting issues with overseas postings, discharge processes and difficulty transitioning to civilian life. Many submissions also address the significant challenges people face when dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Adelaide hearing, which gets underway next Monday (17 July), will focus on safe workplaces - and examine how aspects of military life, such as leadership, postings and promotions, deployment and career management, can impact the mental health and wellbeing of ADF members, and their families.
The eight-day hearing will conclude on Wednesday 26 July.
