RSL Australia Calls for Establishment of Permanent and Independent Body to Monitor Wellbeing of Veterans, Defence Members, and their Families.
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has again called for the establishment of an effective and properly resourced independent body to permanently monitor the health and wellbeing of defence force members, veterans, and their families.
The RSL’s priority call was reiterated in its detailed response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s consultation paper titled Proposed new entity to promote the wellbeing of Defence members and veterans
The RSL says appropriate and timely funding and resourcing of the entity is critical, including funding certainty beyond establishment and initial operational costs. This will ensure it can promote and facilitate the sustained changes that are required across multiple organisations, systems, and processes to prevent defence members and veterans dying by suicide.
It must be transparent and accountable, but free of ministerial and other direction, and able to leverage and enhance provisions that are already working well. It must also strengthen proactive and preventative measures to improve the health and wellbeing of Defence members and veterans during and after serving our country.
The proposed establishment is in line with the RSL’s previous and sustained call for the establishment of an independent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Wellbeing, to lead the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission as an enduring independent body which continues to report on the health and wellbeing of current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
RSL Australia President Greg Melick said the response to the Royal Commission’s Consultation Paper represented a consolidated submission from across the league, including State and Territory branches. It follows on from the RSL Australia March 2023 submission to the Royal Commission, Proposal for Implementation of Recommendations.
Greg Melick said the RSL had responded positively to the questions posed by the Royal Commission in the consultation paper.
“The majority of the proposals in the paper are in line with the initiatives outlined in several RSL submissions to the Commission including a substantive submission in March 2023. It is crucial that the Royal Commission recommendations are implemented in full and at the earliest opportunity,” he said.
“RSL Australia notes that successive inquiries including those conducted by the Senate Committee into Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Productivity Commission and other bodies have identified the need for systemic change in the way Australia treats its veterans and their families.
“Despite these inquiries identifying compelling evidence of policies, practices and settings that are detrimental to the health and wellbeing of current and ex-serving members and their families, the response and actions of successive governments has not led to the sufficient substantive action or change necessary to save lives.
“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has uncovered further sobering evidence of the impact of service on some individuals and their families. This evidence makes it clear that sustained action and permanent change must follow the current inquiry.”
Greg Melick said ADF members, veterans and their families make a significant social and economic contribution to Australia. Investment in their health and wellbeing is a sound investment for our country.
“Responsibility for addressing and ending Defence and veteran suicide is a shared responsibility across all Australian Governments, government authorities, the ex-service organisation sector, and other stakeholders. For example, State and Territory Governments play a key role in the development of policies and implementation of services in areas including health, housing, justice, community welfare and safety, and major gaps will result if these are not covered in the proposed entity’s responsibilities.
“First and foremost, the Royal Commission must recommend the establishment of the new entity through an Act of the Australian Parliament, and it must have the trust and confidence of the Defence and veteran communities, as well as that of the broader Australian public.
“The RSL has made a series of recommendations and suggestions regarding the functions and governance of the proposed entity, its investigation, reporting and engagement responsibilities and the formation of an expert and experienced Advisory Council.
“The RSL stands ready to do its part and the proposed permanent, independent and fully funded entity must be at the forefront of Australia’s new and determined effort to care for our Defence members, veterans and their families and end this scourge of suicide on our nation,” he said.
