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Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines says the final report of the Royal Commission into veteran and defence suicide is a watershed moment for Australia, and an opportunity to prioritise the health and wellbeing of veterans and serving defence personnel.

The Royal Commission handed down 122 recommendations, the culmination of three years and 5,800 heartbreaking submissions that examined the crisis rates of suicide among serving ADF members and veterans.

“This report is incredibly significant for our veterans’ community. It is clear that governments need to do more to make the health and wellbeing of our defence personnel an active and long-term priority, not just during their service, but also when they transition to civilian life and beyond,” Dr Haines said.

“Whenever I speak with veterans and defence personnel and their loved ones across Indi, they tell me about their challenge in accessing timely and coordinated supports when they need it, despite the best endeavours of local services.” 

“My office hears from Veterans whose services have been cut off because of delays within the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. This simply isn’t good enough. The final report makes clear that these delays are a form of secondary trauma for veterans.” 

The Royal Commission noted previous inquiries and reviews have provided 750 recommendations in the past, that have resulted in some improvement but not the level of reform needed to effect significant change. 

The federal government will review the recommendations and provide a formal response. 

“Defence personnel make unparalleled sacrifice in serving our country and unfortunately that commitment has not been reciprocated with sufficient support during and after service.” 

“As an Independent Member of Parliament representing veterans right across north-east Victoria, I will be pushing the Government to make significant and lasting changes. Veterans should not have to wait any longer, and I call on the Government to respond to the Final Report as soon as possible. 

“This week I spoke with Julie-Ann Finney, whose dogged advocacy after the suicide of her son David was the catalyst for this Royal Commission. Her heart breaks every day at the loss of her son and so do thousands of others.” 

ENDS

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