Mental Health First Aid International (MHFAI) commends the Federal Government’s response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, calling it a landmark moment toward meaningful action.
The Government’s commitment to implementing at least 104 of the 122 recommendations represents the start of the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the culture, systems and processes across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The Royal Commission’s final report, released in September, shone a light on the urgent need for systemic change, particularly in the areas of suicide prevention, mental health support, and addressing the cultural challenges faced by Defence and veteran communities. It also called for a stronger focus on early intervention through peer support, improved education, stigma reduction, and awareness-building initiatives.
MHFAI CEO Angus Clelland said that organisation acknowledges those who bravely shared their stories of loss and resilience as part of the Royal Commission, and those in the community who have lost someone they love to suicide.
‘We commend the Government for its commitment to act on the Commission’s recommendations and look forward to working with the new Task Force to continue to address mental health and suicide prevention in this community,’ Mr Clelland said.
‘Building capacity within veteran communities is critical in ensuring timely pathways to support – and potentially even saving lives. Programs like Mental Health Protect are already equipping veterans, their families, and their support networks with the skills to intervene early when someone is experiencing mental health problems or suicidal thoughts.’
‘These programs provide essential training to empower the community to be the first line of support for veterans, helping to ensure they can start their journey to recovery sooner – and helping to create circles of support and safety around those who have served.’
Funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and led by MHFAI, Mental Health Protect offers free mental health and suicide prevention training for members of the veteran and Defence communities, with programs delivered by both Mental Health First Aid and LivingWorks Australia.
Mr Clelland says more can be done to ensure early intervention training and awareness are embedded at key stages of ADF members’ careers to ensure sustainable, long-term impact and delivery at scale.
‘We look forward to discussions with the Department of Defence and Department of Veterans’ Affairs to see how MHFA training can be embedded into the separation process for transitioning ADF members. This would equip them with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health problems and the tools to navigate their own mental health as they transition to civilian life.
‘Similarly, we hope to embed MHFA training for new recruits and officers, ensuring they start their ADF careers equipped with these potentially life-saving skills, and help them navigate periods of psychological distress and support others.’
MHFAI remains committed to supporting the Defence and veteran communities, as well as the new Task Force, to reach more current and ex-serving personnel.
