Hearings
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will hold its first public hearing at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Friday November 26. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The ceremonial hearing will be open to the public if COVID restrictions allow. It will also be webcast.
The hearing will explain how the Commissioners will conduct the inquiry.
The first block of public hearings where participants will give evidence begins in Brisbane on Monday November 29, 2021.
Private sessions
People are being invited to share their experiences and register for a private session.
This is an opportunity to meet a Commissioner as they consider any changes that are needed to help veterans and their supporters.
These sessions will begin in November and continue for the duration of the Royal Commission.
Submissions
Anyone wishing to make a submission to the Commission can do so.
The Commission will accept submissions until at least the end of March 2022. The closing date will be confirmed later this year. Sharing your experiences will help the Commission understand:
- Systemic issues among Defence and veteran deaths by suicide
- Risk factors, and
- The availability of support services
The Royal Commission cannot decide or resolve individual cases or award compensation.
Minister's Announcement
Last week the Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel announced the appointment of consultants McKinsey & Company to take action to improve the claims system for supporting veterans, administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The Minister is reported to have said that McKinsey & Co would be consulting with bereaved families of veterans who have died by suicide.
The Royal Commission looks forward to learning more about the scope and nature of the actions McKinsey & Co will be taking, and to working with the Department to ensure the interests and wellbeing of bereaved families are protected.
The Commission Chair Nick Kaldas said: "We are mindful that with both organisations seeking to work closely with Defence members, veterans and their families, our processes should support those involved and avoid being duplicative, conflicting or otherwise overwhelming."
