About the Royal Commission
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is an important investigation into the deaths by suicide of current and former members of the Australian Defence Force.
Established on 8 July 2021, the Royal Commission is examining the systemic issues that contribute to these deaths, along with any common themes surrounding them.
The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report on 11 August 2022 and a final report on 17 June 2024.
For more information, visit the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Throughout the Royal Commission, the Victorian Veterans Council will continue its legislated responsibility to monitor and advise the Minister for Veterans on issues affecting Victoria’s ex-service community and consult with the ex-service community when developing advice for the Minister.
Contributing to the Royal Commission
You can make a submission (including an anonymous one) to the Royal Commission. For more information, visit how to make a submission to the Royal Commission.
Submissions close Friday, 13 October 2023.
The Royal Commission is also encouraging current and former defence members and their families to apply for a private session with the Commissioners.
Legal and financial support
Throughout the Royal Commission, the Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) will provide free and independent information and legal support to current and former serving members, their families, carers and supporters to safely share their experiences with the inquiry.
DAVLS can be contacted on 1800 331 800 (Monday to Friday) or by emailing defencevetslegal@legalaid.qld.gov.au.
The Australian Government is also providing legal financial assistance for organisations giving evidence or providing other forms of formal engagement. More information about the legal financial assistance scheme is available on the Attorney-General's Department website or by contacting the department on 02 6141 4770 or 1800 117 995 (between 8.30 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday), or by emailing finass@ag.gov.au.
Helplines and crisis support
The Royal Commission will be a difficult process for many people in the Victorian veteran community.
The following services provide free and confidential counselling for current and former defence members and their families.
24/7 services
- If life is in danger call Triple Zero (000) for immediate support.
- Open Arms: 1800 011 046
- Safe Zone Support: 1800 142 072 (anonymous)
- Defence Member and Family Helpline: 1800 624 608
- Defence All-hours Support Line: 1800 628 036 (for ADF members and their families)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Suicide Line: 1300 651 251
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Lifeline Crisis Chat
- Beyond Blue: 1800 224 636
Business hours
- Victorian Veteran Family Services, Melbourne Legacy: 1800 838 326 (1800 VET FAM) 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
More information on services available to veterans and their families is found in Veteran and family support.
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