Northern Territory's response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran suicide

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (the Royal Commission) was established in July 2021 in response to the high rate of suicide among current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The Royal Commission was asked to examine systemic, structural and cultural issues contributing to suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members. It was also tasked with recommending policy, legislative, administrative and structural reforms to prevent future deaths by suicide within the Defence and veteran community.

The Royal Commission final report

The Royal Commission released its final report on 9 September 2024, outlining 122 recommendations to address cultural and systemic challenges affecting ADF members, veterans and their families.

The report identified issues including:

• harmful aspects of ADF culture and leadership
• sexual misconduct and misuse of the military justice system
• challenges faced by veterans transitioning from full-time service
• barriers to accessing support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
• gaps in mental health services before and after transition from service.

These findings emphasise the need for better prevention, early intervention and treatment supports for serving and ex-serving members.

Read the Final Report | Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

Northern Territory response to the Royal Commission

The Northern Territory Government acknowledges the significant work of the Royal Commission and the lived experiences shared by current and former ADF members, their families, ex-service organisations and all contributors.

We are committed to working with the Australian Government, other states and territories, and the Defence and veteran community to respond to the findings and implement meaningful change.

NT Defence Veterans Strategy and Operation Thrive

The NT Defence Veterans Strategy PDF (2.9 MB) was released in 2023, followed by Operation Thrive, the action plan to deliver on the strategy’s vision to make the Northern Territory an attractive and supportive place for the veteran community to live and work.

Operation Thrive focuses on three pillars:

1. Health and wellbeing
2. Respect and recognition
3. Transition, education and employment

With guidance from the Northern Territory Veterans’ Affairs Ministerial Advisory Council, the NT Government continues to deliver programs under Operation Thrive to:

• strengthen social connectedness
• improve health and wellbeing outcomes for veterans and their families
• recognise the value and demands of military service.

Northern Territory Government response into Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide PDF (750.8 KB)