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Media Release - Ministers Marles and Keogh - The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: 12 months on since the Government response

Ministers Marles and Keogh

OFFICIAL

 

 

RICHARD MARLES MP

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

 

THE HON MATT KEOGH MP

MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

 

December 2, 2025

 

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: 12 months on SINCE THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Today marks one year since the Albanese Government responded to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The Royal Commission was the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities. Its Final Report made 122 recommendations to reform the culture, systems and processes across the Defence and veteran ecosystem to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

In these 12 months, the Government has made significant progress on these recommendations. By the end of this year, 32 recommendations will be implemented, with work underway on the remainder – including some initially “noted” in the Government response. 

Our priority remains on delivering reforms that protect the health and safety of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, while improving the experience of service for personnel, veterans and their families.

The Royal Commission itself said its most important recommendation was the creation of a legislated, independent oversight body to oversee sustained reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members.

Legislation to establish the new Defence and Veteran Services Commission passed Parliament in February this year, and the body commenced operation in September.

The recommendations of the Royal Commission which relate to sexual violence and safety are being implemented by Defence as a priority.

Across Government, Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) we have also seen further steps, including:

  • The Albanese Government allocate $78 million to establish a Veteran Wellbeing Agency, to be up and running in July 2026.

  • The Australian Human Rights Commission begin consultations on the terms of reference for an independent inquiry into military sexual violence.

  • New mechanisms introduced to disclose service convictions.

  • Expanding sexual offence data reporting through the Defence Annual Report, with further improvements underway.

  • Finalising the Defence Charter for Military Justice Proceedings and progressing legislative reforms.

  • Redeveloping mandatory sexual violence workshops and piloting a Healthy Relationships Program for new recruits.

  • The launch of the DVA Suicide Prevention Framework and advancing work on new veteran research committee.

  • Working with the Australian Human Rights Commission and Our Watch to develop a sexual violence prevention strategy aligned with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032.

Building on this initial work, in 2026 an independent complaints unit will be established to support the reporting of unacceptable behaviour, workplace health and safety audit findings will be implemented, and Defence and DVA will strengthen research quality and sharing.

The Government’s response to the Royal Commission involved the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the systems, culture and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA.

While we have taken significant steps forward, continued action by Defence and DVA will be needed to maintain momentum and progress.

The Albanese government is committed to delivering on these reforms so that Defence’s most important capability – its people – are able to receive the support and services they deserve.

MEDIA NOTE:

Discussion of these issues may be distressing for some people.

All serving and former ADF personnel and their families should know that if they need support, they can contact Open Arms for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting www.lifeline.org.au. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports are available on its website at www.aihw.gov.au

The full speech delivered to the National Press Club on 2 December 2025 is available online.

Information on the recommendations and progress is available on the following websites:

 

  

MEDIA CONTACT:

Defence Media: [email protected]

 

 

Authorised by The Hon Matt Keogh MP,

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs,
Minister for Defence Personnel, Australia

Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling provides free and confidential support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families. Help is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 (international: +61 1800 011 046 or +61 8 8241 4546) or visit www.OpenArms.gov.au