The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is currently underway in Adelaide, Australia, aiming to address the pressing issue of mental health and well-being among military personnel and veterans. The commission’s chair, Nick Kaldas, has emphasized the importance of answering serious questions regarding the impact of military life on mental health, referring to the high rates of suicide and suicidal behavior within the military community as a “national tragedy.” Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie, herself a military veteran, has expressed concerns about the pace and effectiveness of the inquiry, prompting a need for additional action.
During the hearings, the inquiry is examining various aspects of military life, such as leadership, postings, promotions, deployments, and career management, to understand how they can contribute to mental health issues. This examination is crucial in identifying and addressing the “occupational stressors” that negatively influence the well-being of military personnel.
According to the inquiry, between 1997 and 2020, at least 1,600 Australian veterans died by suicide, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. The rate of suicide among male veterans was found to be 27 percent higher than the general Australian population, while for ex-military women, it was a staggering 107 percent higher. These devastating statistics have left the community and families of the victims overwhelmed with grief and anger.
The scale of the problem is reflected in the extensive efforts of the inquiry, which has issued over 900 notices to produce material and analyzed approximately 230,000 documents. However, progress has faced obstacles as some officials have been uncooperative, necessitating ongoing discussions to resolve the situation.
In a significant development, high-ranking military officials acknowledged the need for more support for defense personnel. Commodore Eric Young and Brigadier Andrew Moss, representing Navy People and Army Career Management, respectively, agreed that their divisions could do more to provide assistance. Brig. Moss even suggested that increasing the number of career managers could be beneficial. Air Commodore Karen Ashworth highlighted the heavy workload and “pressure points” faced by case managers in her area, pointing to the need for additional resources.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the military workforce, a restructure is currently underway, set to be completed by November. This restructure aims to address the significant workforce challenges and improve support systems for defense personnel. The ratio of career managers to junior personnel in the Navy is currently one to 247, while for certain army ranks, it surpasses one to 300.
The royal commission, established in 2021, is determined to delve into systemic issues and risk factors contributing to military and veteran suicides. It aims to deliver a final report with recommendations to the governor-general by June 2024. However, the urgency of the situation necessitates swift action and a commitment to create a psychologically safe environment within Australia’s military.
As the inquiry continues, various helpline numbers are provided to ensure that those in need have access to support. Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14, and Open Arms is available at 1800 011 046.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide serves as a critical platform to shed light on the mental health crisis within Australia’s military community. It is a national duty to address this tragedy and ensure the well-being of those who serve and have served their country.
Source link
