Veteran suicide royal commission
The Sydney Harbour shark attack that left Ashley with lifelong scars
Former navy diver Ashley Semmens used to be at home in the water. Now he cannot enter without a wave of fear coming over him.
- by Angus Thomson
Latest
Defence chief apologises ‘unreservedly’ for high suicide rates
The royal commission completed its final day of hearings on Thursday with the nation’s most senior military official providing evidence.
- by Matthew Knott
Updated
Mental health
Serving Defence personnel face higher suicide risks, new research claims
Defence previously suggested that serving members of the military were better protected against suicide. That may not be true.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Defence blasted for ‘going through the motions’ on veteran suicides
Commissioner Nick Kaldas said veterans were still being driven to suicide because of deep-rooted flaws in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- by Matthew Knott
Military veterans attack lack of support from charities
A former sergeant major who served in Iraq has blasted the support network offered by some government-backed service charities in a private hearing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
- by Tim Barlass
‘I mark the worst day of my life’: war widow’s lament
Queen Dunbar says the grief “never leaves” her when she thinks about her late soldier husband.
- by Tim Barlass
Veterans promised greater access to help after royal commission report
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh has apologised to the defence community for the barriers faced by veterans seeking support as he handed down the government’s response to the interim report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
- by Angus Thompson
Opinion
Defence
Stricken Defence families will draw little comfort from commission report
The interim recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide focus on process and administration rather than supporting the families at the heart of the system.
- by Renee Wilson
‘Deeply sorry’: Minister apologises for system failing Defence and veterans
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh says it’s clear something is not working in his department and Defence given the serious issues facing many people transitioning out of active service.
- by Katina Curtis
Editorial
Opinion
Rate of veteran suicide is a national disgrace
Not enough is being done to help the 6000 defence force veterans each year, many still in their 20s, who face the challenge of adjusting to civilian life.
- The Herald's View
Royal commission report to examine ‘outdated’ system of veterans support
An interim report from the royal commission into defence and veteran suicide is expected to focus on the backlog of compensation claims the government is dealing with.
- by Katina Curtis