RSL Preparing Submission for Veteran Royal Commission
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is preparing a consolidated submission to present to the Royal Commission investigating the incidence of veteran and defence personnel suicide, due to commence its deliberations in the next few months.
RSL National President Greg Melick said the RSL will present an initial submission to the Royal Commission on behalf of all members and veterans, with input from State Branches coordinated through the RSL’s national headquarters in Canberra.
“The RSL’s submission will represent the voices of all RSL members, veterans and their families and we are ready to provide all possible assistance during the operation of the Commission,” Greg Melick said.
The RSL is aware that many veterans will prepare submissions individually, covering their own concerns, circumstances and issues.
Members will also be encouraged to provide input into the RSL’s submission through their local sub-Branch and those wanting to respond to evidence or impacts as the Royal Commission progresses will be supported.
“The RSL stands ready to assist all veterans as they prepare for the Royal Commission.
“This can include assistance with veterans’ submission preparation, counselling and further support both during and after the Commission hearings and outcome. Veterans can contact their State Branch where dedicated support staff will be available.
“Veterans wanting assistance, advice or counselling should contact their sub-branch, or State or Territory Branch headquarters in the first instance.”
Greg Melick said veterans needing immediate mental health and wellbeing assistance could contact the Open Arms support service, or be referred by the RSL.
RSL Ambassador Pete Rudland, an Iraq, Afghanistan and Timor veteran, said all veterans needed to know that the RSL was ready and willing to assist them to prepare at this important time.
“The RSL is committed to providing whatever support necessary to find solutions that deal with veterans’ suicide which impacts severely on the entire veteran community,” he said.
“The Royal Commission gives us the opportunity to address the serious issue of veterans’ mental health and veteran suicide at the highest level and provides the prospect of securing a clear pathway for better outcomes for the veteran community in the future.
“In offering to assist veterans with their submissions and the provision of other support, the RSL wants to ensure that the Royal Commission has access to all the detail it needs to make its informed recommendations and decisions,” Pete Rutland said.
Those preparing submissions can request information held by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs under the pathways identified on DVA’s website: Access to information | Department of Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)
The Department also advises that legal advice support is being made available by the Attorney-General’s Department for people wishing to engage with the Royal Commission.
The Royal Commission website is now active and can be accessed at the following link: https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/
Free, independent legal support is available through the Defence & Veterans Legal Service to assist Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans, as well as their families, carers and supporters, to safely share their experiences with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
