The Australian government will outline its progress in addressing key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide during an address at the National Press Club in Canberra on October 3, 2023. This marks the first anniversary of the government’s initial response to the royal commission’s findings, which revealed that 1,677 serving and former defence personnel died by suicide between 1997 and 2021. This figure is more than 20 times the number of those killed in active duty during the same period.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, will provide an update on the government’s efforts to implement the 122 recommendations made by the commission. Although the government accepted the overwhelming majority of these recommendations, only nine have been completed as of the latest update provided to parliament in September. An additional 110 recommendations are currently in progress.
New Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence Announced
During his address, Mr. Keogh will also announce a standalone inquiry into military sexual violence, as recommended by the royal commission. This inquiry aims to investigate the barriers within the Australian Defence Force that hinder the reporting and investigation of sexual assault claims, as well as assess the effectiveness of the military justice system. The inquiry is set to commence in 2024 and is expected to conclude within 12 months, culminating in a final report focused on military sexual violence.
This announcement coincides with a class action lawsuit involving a group of women alleging systemic sexual abuse within the military. The case, which is scheduled to be heard on the same day, includes four applicants whose identities remain confidential for legal reasons. Any woman who has experienced sexual violence, harassment, or discrimination during her service in the Australian military between November 12, 2003, and May 25, 2025, is eligible to join this significant legal action.
The royal commission highlighted critical areas for reform, including the need for improved victim-survivor support and the removal of troops convicted of specific sexual crimes from the military. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat violence within the defence force, reflecting a broader societal commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of all service members.
As the government prepares to present its progress, the outcomes of both the inquiry and the ongoing legal proceedings will be closely monitored for their potential impact on the future of the Australian Defence Force and the welfare of its personnel.
