Expanded terms of reference for veteran suicides review

Commissioner Boss welcomes the revised Terms of Reference for the Independent Review of Past Defence and Veteran Suicides.

She said the updated terms of reference now clearly state that the independent review of past defence and veteran suicides can include any past Australian Defence Force member or veteran death by suicide or suspected suicide.

“I am aware of the concerns raised by some families that the review would only consider deaths by suicide of ADF members and veterans which occurred between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2018,” Commissioner Boss said.

“The revised terms of reference now clearly state that the review is to include any family who wants to participate, regardless of when they lost their loved one.

“I encourage anyone interested in participating in the review to register their interest to participate with my office.

“The voices and unique perspective of families and others closely affected by these deaths will provide crucial insights to assist me to understand why these deaths occurred and what needs to happen to prevent them in the future.”

The revised Terms of Reference clarify that 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2018 relates to the period that the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care are analysing as part of their technical inputs to the review, as this is when the most comprehensive and robust data is available.

Contact the Office of the National Commissioner to register interest in participating in the review, or for more information.

 

If you, or someone you know needs support, you can contact:

• Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Open Arms (current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel and their families are able to seek this free and confidential support) on 1800 011 046
• ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (for current serving Australian Defence Force personnel and their families) on 1800 628 036.

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