Royal Commission into Veterans Suicide Chair Nick Kaldas, Commissioner Dr Peggy Brown, Defence Shed Wagga Treasurer Bradley Maynard, Commissioner James Douglas and Pro Patria Centre board member Jason Frost. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Wagga’s Pro Patria Centre (PPC) is encouraged by the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide after the final report was released this week after a three-year inquiry.
The seven-volume report includes 122 recommendations for systemic changes in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
PPC board member Jacqui Van de Velde said they had already identified some recommendations around healthcare and coordinated services that PPC had already implemented into its services. Pro Patria Property Trust (PPPT) is transforming the former Carmelite Monastery into an innovative multidisciplinary facility to provide clinical treatment support for veterans and first responders.
“We’re actually doing that now and have been ever since our inception, so that’s encouraging that we are on the right path,” she said.
“We are dedicated to thoroughly reviewing the seven volumes and 122 recommendations, and we will respond publicly to our community, outlining our collaborative path forward in implementing these essential changes.”
Key recommendations include a new agency to focus on veterans’ wellbeing, cultural reform, leadership accountability, a crackdown on sexual abuse and bullying, transition support, improved governance to make suicide prevention and mental health a central priority and more.
“While the journey has been intense, we acknowledge that the real work begins now,” Ms Van De Velde said.
“The healing process started with veterans and families courageously sharing their stories, and it is time for meaningful action.”
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack acknowledged that it was a confronting and difficult time for those in the Defence community, particularly those who had lost loved ones.
“It is imperative we as parliamentarians get the measures right for past, current and future service personnel and veterans,” he said.
“The Coalition will work through the Royal Commission’s Final Report, giving each of the 122 recommendations the appropriate consideration and respect to respond in due course.
“We will work with the Federal Government to ensure positive steps are taken to deliver the best outcomes to reduce and, ultimately, eliminate the incidence of suicide in the Defence Force community.
NSW MP, Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, welcomed the final report and said society had failed its veterans.
“It is distressing that in the 25 years from 1997, there were, on average, three deaths by suicide a fortnight of serving and ex-serving defence personnel,” he said.
“The report is very relevant to us here in Wagga Wagga — the home of the soldier — and to our region, where we have two defence bases and where many ex-defence personnel retire.
“I have been pleased to see a focus on veteran wellbeing issues locally in recent years. The Pro Patria Centre and the RSL health and wellbeing hub have been established, and I believe these are making a difference to our veterans and their families.”
Ms Van De Velde urged lawmakers to go back to the drawing board to look at the recommendations and create a genuinely holistic legislation that will support the veterans and their families now and in the future.
“We need to take this once-in-a-generation opportunity to structure things more comprehensively, looking beyond the military compensation and rehabilitation acts as they are,” Ms Van De Velde said.
“The problems are still there.”
Region has reached out to Wagga Wagga RSL Sub-Branch for comments on the royal commission’s findings.
If this story has raised any issues for you, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, the Defence All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036, Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or Soldier On, 1300 620 380.
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