Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

McCormack acknowledged the importance of the royal commission and thanked the minister for the update on implementation progress. McCormack emphasised the role of Legacy in supporting veterans' families and noted that most veterans contribute positively to society. McCormack expressed disappointment with the Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025, arguing it disrespected service personnel by limiting medallic recognition timeframes.

Moncrieff highlighted the government's action on the interim report recommendations, including clearing the DVA claims backlog and legislating the VETS Act. Moncrieff noted that 104 recommendations were agreed to, with an implementation taskforce established within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Moncrieff praised the new user-friendly DVA website featuring an AI search tool to improve information access for veterans. Moncrieff affirmed that the reforms were vital for ensuring defence personnel received necessary care and support.

Watson-Brown stressed that the royal commission's recommendations must be fully implemented and not ignored. Watson-Brown advocated for a standalone statutory entity to oversee system-wide reform, noting the Greens' readiness to work with the government on this legislation. Watson-Brown argued that deep cultural issues in the ADF, including a culture of silence, must be addressed to prevent suicide. Watson-Brown cited the goal of achieving zero suicides as a non-negotiable objective.

Burnell, a veteran, welcomed the focus on wellbeing from the day of enlistment through to discharge. Burnell noted the clearing of the 41,000 claim backlog and the simplification of the rehabilitation compensation scheme through the VETS Act. Burnell highlighted the upcoming operation of the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission to drive systemic change. Burnell praised the local Veterans' and Families' Hub in Spence for providing critical services to the community.

Mitchell criticised the previous government for leaving over a thousand claims unopened and creating a 'delay, deny, die' culture. Mitchell highlighted the government's commitment to implementing royal commission recommendations to support veterans and their families. Mitchell referenced the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce and the need to address sexual abuse within the Defence Force. Mitchell praised the current minister's efforts to ensure timely payment of veterans' entitlements.

Gosling, a fourth-generation veteran, emphasised the importance of supporting ADF members and their families to ensure retention and wellbeing. Gosling noted the establishment of the implementation taskforce and the progress on the 122 recommendations. Gosling highlighted the upcoming Defence and Veterans' Services Commission and the release of the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Gosling encouraged mentoring opportunities for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Coffey reflected on the impact of defence life on families, citing her work with the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation. Coffey highlighted the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy to support housing, location certainty, and transition for families. Coffey noted the expansion of veterans' and families' hubs and the faster processing of claims. Coffey affirmed the government's commitment to comprehensive reforms to support defence personnel and veterans.

Thistlethwaite paid tribute to families of those who died by suicide and acknowledged the advocacy of Julie-Ann Finney. Thistlethwaite highlighted the work of Open Arms in providing mental health support to veterans and their families. Thistlethwaite noted the appointment of Annabelle Wilson as the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner and the reappointment of Kahlil Fegan as Repatriation Commissioner. Thistlethwaite emphasised the importance of the Middle East Area of Operations Scoping Study to understand the needs of modern veterans.

Berry detailed the progress on royal commission recommendations, including the clearing of the 41,000 claim backlog and the passage of the VETS Act. Berry announced $44.5 million in funding for the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission and the recruitment of its inaugural commissioner. Berry highlighted the release of the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the development of the Women Veterans Strategy. Berry noted reforms to address sexual misconduct, including updated policies and the consideration of impact statements in sentencing.

Caldwell paid tribute to the Halloran family, who lost their son Tom to suicide, and acknowledged their efforts to turn their pain into a positive message. Caldwell recognised the serious nature of the issues addressed by the royal commission and the bipartisan recognition of the need for reform. Caldwell thanked the family for ensuring that Tom's legacy would contribute to future improvements in veteran support.