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“We owe our veterans more than just gratitude,” Australian psychiatrists call for accountability and action
9 Sep 2024
Media release
Australian psychiatrists emphatically support the calls made for an independent body to oversee the implementation of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide today.
President of the RANZCP Dr. Elizabeth Moore said the current system that looks after our military’s mental health and wellbeing is fundamentally broken.
“Despite at least 57 inquiries, serving members and veterans still don’t receive the support they need to live healthy and meaningful lives during and after service.
“A new and independent watchdog, built for veterans and with veterans, is a vital step towards holding the government and its agencies to account and providing transparency to the community and sector who are desperate for change.
“Even as recently as 2019, the government and its agencies were not collecting data on veteran suicides.
“We need governments and their agencies to improve data collection and reporting within the ADF and the DVA. We can’t fix what we can’t see.
RANZCP is also urging the Commonwealth Government to make a serious commitment to expand mental health services as well as improve military cultural competency in health professionals working with veterans, as recommended by the Commission today.
“ADF members deserve access to the best possible care that’s tailored to their unique needs.
“But at the moment, there simply aren’t enough trained professionals to provide it.
“We need more mental health specialists who are deeply attuned to the specific struggles, cultures, and experiences that come with military life.”
Dr. Moore said one of the most concerning findings to come out of today’s report is the high rates of sexual assault and misconduct in the ADF, which evidence shows is linked to suicide and suicidality.
“We support the recommendations made by the Commission to make sure the workplace is safe for women in service, including improved data collection on sexual assaults and robust reporting mechanisms.”
Dr. Moore also acknowledged the survivors, families, and Commissioners who have brought these issues to light.
“This report marks a critical step toward addressing the systemic failures that have left many of our veterans without support for decades.
“We owe our veterans more than just gratitude – we owe them action that extends beyond words on paper,” said Dr. Moore.
For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.
ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.
In Australia:
The Defence all-hours Support Line is a confidential telephone and online service for ADF members and their families 1800 628 036
Open Arms provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families 1800 011 046
Soldier On is a national support services provider for Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families. Contact during office hours 1300 620 380
Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) can be contacted on 1800 33 1800
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.
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