Support is available
Please be aware this website contains information about suicide that may be distressing. Please take care of yourself as you read it and ask for help if needed. Information and contact details for support available in Australia are listed below.
The Royal Commission examined systemic issues and common themes in suicide and suicidality amongst Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans. This included suspected suicides and lived experience of suicide risks.
The Royal Commission delivered its interim report on 11 August 2022, and the final report was delivered on 9 September 2024.
On 2 December 2024, the government announced its response to the final report. The government responded to the Royal Commission’s recommendations as follows:
- 104 recommendations were agreed or agreed-in-principle
- 17 recommendations were noted for further consideration
- 1 recommendation was not supported in part.
The implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations is happening across government in line with the government’s response. Each recommendation is being actioned by the relevant agency (or agencies) responsible.
The Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet is supporting two significant bodies of work to ensure implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations is on track:
- The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Implementation Taskforce is overseeing a whole-of-government approach to implementing the recommendations.
- An independent interim head of commission is leading the establishment of the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission, which will oversee ongoing suicide prevention reform across the Defence ecosystem (recommendation 122).
The taskforce will provide advice to the government on implementation and sequencing of recommendations.
The commission is being established to provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on suicide prevention reforms (recommendation 122).
Support services
Suicide Call Back Service
24-hour counselling service for suicide prevention and mental health. Available via telephone, online and by video chat.
Open Arms
24-hour mental health support for Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, veterans and their families.
Defence Member and Family Helpline
24-hour service providing a range of practical and emotional support programs for families facing emergency or crisis.
Defence All-hours Support Line
24-hour service for Australian Defence Force members and their families providing help to access military or civilian mental health services.
Lifeline Australia
13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
24-hour crisis support service. Available via telephone, online and text chat.
Beyond Blue
24-hour counselling service. Available via telephone, online or email.
1800RESPECT
24-hour counselling service for sexual assault, family and domestic violence.
Men’s Referral Service
24-hour counselling, information and referral service for men concerned about their own use of violence or abusive behaviour.
MensLine
24-hour support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence, addiction, relationship stress and wellbeing. Available via telephone, online and by video chat.
13YARN
24-hour national support line for First Nations people in crisis.
QLife Call
1800 184 527 or visit QLife
The QLife phone and webchat service is available 3 pm to midnight every day, providing space for where LGBTQI+ people and their loved ones can talk about anything affecting their lives.