Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (DVSRC) Recommendations in Plain Language

Summary: Enhance governance and legislative frameworks to ensure future Royal Commissions can operate without obstruction, including clearer protocols for accessing protected information and structural independence for the Royal Commissions Branch.

Key Actions:

• Separate the Royal Commissions Branch (AGD) from the Australian Government Solicitor to avoid conflicts of interest.
• Consider relocating the Branch to PM&C or creating a dedicated Royal Commissions Office.
• Amend legislation to guarantee timely access to public interest immunity material

Summary: Defence and DVA have established a formal data-sharing bridge. Career managers now receive “wellbeing snapshots” to help them adjust workloads or posting cycles for members showing signs of injury or health-related burnout.

Key Actions:

• Increase the ratio of career managers to members.
• Train career managers in trauma-informed engagement.
• Equip them to identify and mitigate cumulative stressors (e.g., psychosocial risks) during posting decisions.

Summary: Health and rehabilitation continuity is now a mandatory “check-point” in the posting system. Members with active clinical plans cannot be posted unless the receiving location can guarantee identical levels of care and specialist access.

Key Actions:

• Reduce relocation frequency and enhance supports (housing, childcare, spouse employment).
• Implement a 5-year posting outlook and early rental allowance confirmations.
• Ensure access to paid parental leave for overseas postings/deployments.

Summary: The $739.2 million “Early Intervention” package is now being deployed to integrate digital health screening into recruit training. This allows for real-time risk identification, ensuring that new members are connected to evidence-based care before issues escalate.

Key Actions:

• Use mental health screening to identify and address recruits’ needs.
• Ensure timely access to mental, physical, and spiritual health support.
• Track long-term health outcomes and share support needs (with consent) to enable proactive assistance.
• Provide instructors with resources and training to support vulnerable recruits.

Summary: Defence has codified structured decompression periods into service doctrine. High-risk rotations now include a mandatory “reset phase” with rapid access to psychological interventions, funded under the February 2026 wellbeing initiatives.

Key Actions:

• Develop clear post-deployment support frameworks for members and families.
• Provide training on operational stress (e.g., grief, hypervigilance, sleep issues).
• With consent, share deployment stressors between commanding officers.
• Expand respite policies beyond “arduous deployments” to address fatigue.

Summary: Defence will make the Military Employment Classification (MEC) system more transparent and navigable, ensuring members can advocate for themselves before employment decisions are finalised.

Key Actions:

• Publish procedural fairness guides for decision-makers.
• Allow members to review all relevant documents and present their case at MEC Review Boards.

Summary: Defence will systematically identify and create roles for members medically unfit for deployment, minimizing reliance on external contractors.

Key Actions:

• Identify suitable non-deployable roles across the ADF.
• Prioritise internal employment over outsourcing.
• Monitor the relationship between deployment status and member wellbeing.

Summary: Defence will implement outcomes-based retention initiatives in the 2026 Strategic Workforce Plan to address key drivers of voluntary separation.

Key Actions:

• Analyse service-specific workforce experiences data and factors driving separation.
• Address contributors like burnout, fatigue and stress.
• Establish targets and performance measures to evaluate retention initiatives.
• Expand Continuation Bonus offerings at key career decision points.

Summary: Defence will develop evidence-based culture targets and annual reporting to improve leadership accountability and member wellbeing.

Key Actions:

• Set outcomes-based targets for:
• Psychosocial safety
• Unacceptable behaviour reduction
• Senior leadership accountability
• Publish annual culture reports on service-specific progress.
• Amend Defence Act to allow sexual harassment reporting outside chain of command.

Summary: Defence will assess, and address service-specific risks related to sexual misconduct through tailored action plans.

Key Actions:

• Assess presence of risk factors in each Service.
• Develop Service-specific Respect@Work action plans.
• Engage Australian Human Rights Commission for independent assessment.

Summary: Defence will incorporate team feedback and wellbeing metrics into leader performance reviews.

Key Actions:

• Develop workplace behaviour reporting framework (testing in 2025)
• Include measures of:
• Psychological safety
• Gender equality
• Unacceptable behaviour management

Summary: Defence will strengthen leadership selection processes by incorporating emotional intelligence assessments and wellbeing performance metrics.

Key Actions:

• Include performance against culture/wellbeing targets in promotion decisions.
• Implement psychometric testing for emotional intelligence.
• Model selection framework after UK and USA military programs.

Summary: Defence will develop a new ‘people, capability and service’ doctrine emphasizing workforce health as critical to operational effectiveness.

Key Actions:

• Establish panel with diverse ex-serving members.
• Conduct broad co-design process across ranks/services.
• Present final doctrine by December 2026
• Identify and address health/wellbeing barriers in policies.

Summary: Government will commission independent research on military sexual trauma prevalence and impacts to inform better support systems.

Key Actions:

• Research links between sexual misconduct and suicide risk.
• Examine terminology impacts on victims.
• Study needs during transition periods.
• Identify best practice response models.

Summary: Defence will update policies to provide clear definitions of sexual offences and reporting procedures.

Key Actions:

• Align definitions with Crimes Act sexual offence provisions.
• Provide explicit instructions for consulting Military Police
• Update Complaints and Resolutions Manual

Summary: Defence will enhance and mandate sexual misconduct training for all commanders and managers.

Key Actions:

• Commission independent evaluation of current training.
• Develop improved mandatory training program.
• Include modules on disclosure, consent and response protocols.

Summary: Defence will develop a comprehensive prevention strategy aligned with national violence prevention frameworks.

Key Actions:

• Create sexual misconduct prevention strategy.
• Align with National Plan to End Violence Against Women
• Partner with Human Rights Commission and Our Watch
• Submit strategy to Ministers for endorsement.

Summary: Defence will implement policies to protect victims during investigations, including separation from alleged perpetrators.

Key Actions:

• Require immediate interim actions (work arrangement changes or paid suspension)
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments.
• Regularly review interim measures until resolution
• Allow additional protective actions as needed.

Summary: Defence will prevent career penalties for victims through systemic changes to HR processes.

Key Actions:

• Develop neutral labelling system for protective postings.
• Report to Minister on housing/career management updates.
• Ensure no posting with perpetrators where possible.
• Deadline: 30 June 2025 for implementation report

Summary: Government will legislate to consider victim impact and rank differentials in sentencing.

Key Actions:

• Require victim impact statements in sentencing.
• Treat higher rank of offender as aggravating factor
• Amend Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 accordingly.

Summary: Defence will establish presumption of discharge for serious sexual misconduct.

Key Actions:

• Apply to sexual harassment, offences, image abuse, stalking.
• Use “balance of probabilities” standard.
• Maintain procedural fairness protections.
• Track and report discharge statistics.

Summary: Defence will mandate discharge for sexual offence convictions in military or civilian courts.

Key Actions:

• Apply to all sexual and related offences.
• Requires legislative reform.
• Aligns with safe workplace commitments.

Summary: Ensure sexual offence convictions are recorded in both military and civilian systems.

Key Actions:

• Include ADF convictions in National Police Reference System
• Maintain complete records of civilian court convictions.
• Coordinate with state/territory governments.

Summary: Defence will increase transparency through regular public reporting on sexual misconduct cases.

Key Actions:

• Publish annual service-specific data.
• Include incident types and demographics.
• Track administrative/disciplinary outcomes.
• Protect victim anonymity.

Summary: An independent external inquiry will examine the military justice system’s handling of sexual violence cases.

Key Actions:

• Evaluate effectiveness compared to civilian justice systems.
• Examine investigative powers and referral processes.
• Analyse barriers to reporting and conviction rates.
• Include victim perspectives in terms of reference.
• Make final report publicly available.

Summary: Defence will enhance reporting mechanisms and transparency around behavioural risks.

Key Actions:

• Proactively identify at-risk locations/cohorts
• Implement targeted interventions for “hot spots”.
• Publicly report on problem areas and actions taken
• Integrate multiple data sources for early detection.

Summary: Defence will assess implementation effectiveness of prior unacceptable behaviour recommendations.

Key Actions:

• Evaluate Ombudsman’s 2023 review implementation.
• Establish specialised complaints unit.
• Ensure consistent policy application.
• Drive continuous improvement in complaints handling.

Summary: Establish new Military Justice System Assurance Branch for oversight and improvement.

Key Actions:

• Monitor justice processes and outcomes.
• Improve data quality and record-keeping.
• Track implementation of review recommendations.
• Identify misuse patterns and systemic risks.
• Measure reform effectiveness.

Summary: Create Joint Workforce Capability Employment Manager position.

Key Actions:

• Review current inquiry training approaches.
• Develop trauma-informed practices.
• Improve communication materials.
• Position located in new Military Justice Assurance Branch

Summary: Inspector-General to investigate misuse of military justice administrative processes.

Key Actions:

• Examine patterns of excessive sanctions.
• Identify commanders with unusually high sanction rates.
• Develop accountability measures for misuse.
• Deadline: Commence by end of 2024

Summary: Require mental health considerations in termination decisions.

Key Actions:

• Implement November 2024 interim Directive.
• Assess mental health factors in conduct cases.
• Prevent inappropriate discharges due to untreated conditions.
• Apply trauma-informed approach.

Summary: Establish enhanced merits review process for involuntary separations.

Key Actions:

• Create fast-track external review option.
• Collaborate with Inspector-General and AGD
• Complete reviews within 60 days
• Allow member submissions and in-person presentations.

Summary: Defence will research connections between military justice involvement and negative mental health outcomes.

Key Actions:

• Study suicide/suicidality rates among those in justice processes.
• Examine links to substance abuse as coping mechanism.
• Identify intervention opportunities pre-disciplinary action.
• Build on existing health guidance for commanders.

Summary: Defence will examine requirements for court martial panels to provide punishment rationales.

Key Actions:

• Review current regulations on panel decision-making.
• Document findings in 2024/25 Military Justice workplan.
• Address transparency in sentencing processes.

Summary: Evaluate adequacy of current support systems during justice proceedings.

Key Actions:

• Assess effectiveness of support officers/welfare boards.
• Incorporate member experience feedback.
• Identify gaps in legal/psychological support services.

Summary: Test independent support system for members in high-risk justice situations.

Key Actions:

• Automatically connect members to external support services
• Include Workplace Behaviour Adviser Network referrals.
• Focus on those facing termination or serious allegations.
• Consider role of welfare boards in new model.

Summary: Establish clear rights and expectations for justice system participants.

Key Actions:

• Guarantee respectful treatment and clear information.
• Require updates at key process stages.
• Allow victim impact statements at sentencing.
• Make charter publicly available.
• Enable complaints if standards aren’t met.

Summary: Strengthen monitoring of mental health/wellbeing outcomes.

Key Actions:

• Include health metrics in Budget Papers/corporate plans.
• Develop joint Monitoring & Evaluation Framework with DVA
• Set short/medium/long-term targets.
• Improve performance tracking capabilities.
• Prioritise APS Commission capability reviews.

Summary: Integrate suicide prevention into Defence risk management systems.

Key Actions:

• Identify in-service suicide risk factors.
• Develop targeted control measures.
• Report through standard risk channels.
• Align with Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy
• Mental Health Branch to lead implementation.

Key Actions:

• Audit all governance reporting requirements.
• Eliminate duplicate/unnecessary reporting.
• Apply Lean Thinking methodologies.
• Enhance data literacy through training.
• Address barriers to compliance.

Summary: Defence will strengthen project management capacity to ensure effective implementation of Royal Commission reforms.

Key Actions:

• Engage independent experts to assess current project management maturity.
• Develop improvement blueprint and implementation plan.
• Monitor progress through Tier 1 Committee oversight
• Focus on areas responsible for implementing recommendations.

Summary: Future Inspectors-General will be appointed from outside the ADF to ensure independence.

Key Actions:

• Amend Defence Act 1903 to prohibit former ADF service.
• Appoint two qualified Deputy Inspectors-General
• Align with recommendations from Twenty-Year Review
• Deadline: Legislative advice by September 2025

Summary: The Inspector-General will have full autonomy over office staffing.

Key Actions:

• Remove requirement for CDF/service chief input.
• Allow hiring from ADF, APS or external candidates.
• Ensure merit-based selection processes.
• Finalise new staffing protocols by mid-2025.

Summary: Implement rigorous capability assessment for Inspector-General’s office staff.

Key Actions:

• Develop comprehensive workforce plan.
• Conduct skills gap analysis.
• Establish recruitment strategy for specialised roles.
• Implement ongoing professional development.

Summary: Enhance public reporting on Inspector-General operations and performance.

Key Actions:

• Publish detailed standard operating procedures.
• Establish performance measures for timeliness.
• Annual reporting against key metrics
• Website updates by Q2 2025

Summary: Mandate trauma training for all Inspector-General personnel.

Key Actions:

• Require Compassionate Foundations course completion.
• Implement biennial refresher training.
• Include contractors and consultants.
• Full compliance by end 2025

Summary: Expand mandatory inquiry scope for ADF member deaths.

Key Actions:

• Consult mental health experts in determinations.
• Investigate service-related contributing factors.
• Apply to all cases where suicide cannot be ruled out.
• Implement new protocols by July 2025

Summary: Ensure legal representation and family support in suicide inquiries.

Key Actions:

• Assign dedicated legal officers.
• Conduct family interviews after legal contact.
• Develop family support protocols.
• Implement within 6 months.

Summary: Balance transparency with privacy in death inquiry reporting.

Key Actions:

• Limit non-disclosure directions to essential sections.
• Consult next of kin on disclosure terms.
• Establish review mechanism for restrictions.
• Update website guidance by Q3 2025

Summary: Extend inquiry jurisdiction to recent veterans.

Key Actions:

• Cover deaths within 2 years of separation.
• Apply to deaths from 30 September 2024
• Require notification within 3 months of death.
• Finalise legislative amendments by 2026.

Summary: Implement triennial analysis of suicide inquiries to identify systemic issues.

Key Actions:

• Conduct comprehensive review every 3 years.
• Identify patterns and contributing factors.
• Report findings to CDF and relevant Ministers.
• First review to be completed by Q4 2026

Summary: Establish robust review process for contested terminations.

Key Actions:

• Complete reviews within 60 days of complaint
• Allow member submissions and presentations.
• Inspector-General to determine “correct or preferable” outcome.
• Implement fast-track option for external reviews.

Summary: Extend complaint submission timeframe for terminated members.

Key Actions:

• Amend policy to allow 21-day complaint window.
• Ensure clear communication of rights.
• Align with natural justice principles.
• Implementation by mid-2025

Summary: Enhance oversight through regular military justice audits.

Key Actions:

• Audit major units every 3 years.
• Audit training establishments every 2 years.
• Review 3 non-major units annually
• Publish biennial thematic analysis reports.

Summary: Comprehensive WHS audit focusing on psychosocial risks.

Key Actions:

• Evaluate hazard controls and reporting accuracy.
• Assess risk categorization methodology.
• Include in WHS Strategy and reporting.
• Complete audit by end 2025

Summary: Clarify incident reporting obligations to Comcare.

Key Actions:

• Develop joint guidance with Comcare.
• Enhance training for commanders.
• Review notification decision processes.
• Timeline: Ongoing through 2025

Summary: Independent review of Defence’s service connection decisions.

Key Actions:

• Sample review of non-notified incidents.
• Three-year trial period
• Defence to fund additional Comcare costs.
• Evaluate continuation after 2027.

Summary: Facilitate data sharing for psychosocial harm prevention.

Key Actions:

• Taskforce to consider access protocols.
• Align with privacy requirements.
• Support latent harm identification.
• Decision pending Taskforce review

Summary: Voluntary engagement in workplace risk assessment program.

Key Actions:

• Join after program refinement.
• Fund through Defence or Commonwealth appropriation.
• Pilot targeted Defence-specific inspections
• Timeline: 2025-2026

Summary: Enhance data collaboration for suicide prevention.

Key Actions:

• Quarterly sharing of psychosocial incident data
• Include systemic issue analysis.
• Document hazard mitigation actions.
• Commence Q1 2025

Summary: Create comprehensive program to address brain injuries in military personnel.

Key Actions:

• Monitor and assess blast overpressure exposure.
• Record all traumatic brain injuries in medical files.
• Develop neurocognitive symptom management program.
• Expand non-liability mental health care coverage.
• Taskforce to finalise implementation plan.

Summary: Create dedicated centre to bridge research and clinical practice.

Key Actions:

• Develop NHMRC-accredited research model.
• Enhance collaboration between researchers/clinicians.
• Focus on unique military health needs.
• Business case under development

Summary: Systemic changes to promote help-seeking behaviours.

Key Actions:

• Remove “malingering” from Defence Force Discipline Act
• Review and amend stigmatizing policies.
• Develop anti-stigma training programs.
• Implement by 2026

Summary: Comprehensive injury prevention framework.

Key Actions:

• Align with Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Identify common injury risks/hazards.
• Implement prevention strategies.
• Transparent reporting on root causes
• Resourced with specialist staff.

Summary: Enhanced mental health screening protocols.

Key Actions:

• Screen at key career points (training, rehabilitation etc.)
• Face-to-face screening where possible
• Add risk factors to screening tools (anger, sleep, military sexual trauma)
• Longitudinal data analysis
• Qualified workforce oversight

Summary: Optimize return-to-work outcomes.

Key Actions:

• Strengthen return-to-work ethos in manuals.
• Maintain unit connections during rehab.
• Publicly report rehabilitation outcomes
• Resource rehabilitation services adequately

Summary: Healthcare quality and safety improvements.

Key Actions:

• Adopt National Model Clinical Governance Framework
• Strengthen safety/quality monitoring.
• Improve care coordination with DVA/civilian providers.
• Partner with Royal College of GPs

Summary: Clarify privacy protocols for crisis situations.

Key Actions:

• Enhance Privacy Act training.
• Regular member understanding assessments
• Review/update privacy policy by end 2025.
• Consider legislative changes if needed.

Summary: More practical, trauma-informed training.

Key Actions:

• Focus on practical intervention skills.
• Tailor by rank/role
• Incorporate lived experience.
• Deliver in-person by end 2025.
• Develop Lived Experience Framework

Summary: Update crisis response to clinical best practice.

Key Actions:

• Specify culturally appropriate care standards.
• Establish minimum aftercare requirements.
• Develop with external experts.
• Five-year independent evaluation

Summary: Improve veteran access to healthcare through competitive provider payments.

Key Actions:

• Benchmark DVA fees against NDIS rates.
• Address service shortages through incentives.
• Streamline provider payment timelines.
• Quarterly public reporting on payment performance

Summary: Develop integrated veteran healthcare networks nationwide.

Key Actions:

• Create implementation plan by September 2026
• Increase veteran-specific hospital services.
• Strengthen PHN partnerships.
• Improve service navigation for veterans.
• Address geographic service gaps.

Summary: Enhance understanding of military culture among civilian providers.

Key Actions:

• Expand Veterans Healthcare eLearning Platform.
• Continue Military Veterans’ Psychiatry Training
• Engage professional associations.
• Increase Veteran Access Payments for GPs

Summary: Review privacy provisions for veteran support.

Key Actions:

• Obtain legal advice on information sharing.
• Consider necessary legislative amendments.
• Balance privacy with wellbeing support needs
• Align with Recommendation 68 outcomes.

Summary: Comprehensive evaluation of veteran counselling service.

Key Actions:

• Commission 2027 external review
• Assess clinical standards and operations.
• Examine service delivery model.
• Publish findings publicly.

Summary: Structured support after suicide deaths.

Key Actions:

• Collaborate with bereavement experts.
• Create commander training materials.
• Implement risk identification system.
• Monitor wider organisational impacts.

Summary: Enhanced support for bereaved military community.

Key Actions:

• Fund national resource network.
• Partner with ESOs and states/territories
• Tailor to military culture
• Complement existing services.

Summary: Address ethical trauma in military service.

Key Actions:

• Develop education and treatment programs.
• Pilot Moral Injury Outcome Scale
• Conduct Australian-specific research.
• Include in Mental Health Strategy

Summary: Cultural emphasis on service recognition.

Key Actions:

• Identify respect improvement opportunities.
• Conduct biennial member surveys.
• Review Joint Transition Authority policies.
• First survey by mid-2025

Summary: Streamlined transition to civilian life.

Key Actions:

• New DVA agency for transition support
• Conduct transition readiness reviews.
• Expand screening criteria.
• Proactive post-separation follow-up

Summary: Structured support for cultural adaptation post-service.

Key Actions:

• Expert panel to design program (including lived experience)
• Deliver pre- and post-separation components.
• Focus on social connection and identity transition.
• Three-year pilot with evaluation framework

Summary: Balance security needs with veteran community connections.

Key Actions:

• Standardised national access framework.
• Local commander discretion for approvals
• Priority access first year post-separation
• Policy review completed by Q3 2025

Summary: Maximise recognition of military skills.

Key Actions:

• Issue qualifications upon course completion (from 1/7/25)
• Remove qualification caps.
• Explore bridging course options (not yet committed)
• Map all training to national standards.

Summary: Enhance veteran employment prospects.

Key Actions:

• Standardised skills certification
• Include commanding officer contacts.
• Service-wide implementation.
• Digital and hardcopy formats

Summary: Leverage military skills in government roles.

Key Actions:

• Expand VetPaths program.
• Target health, justice and emergency sectors
• APS Commission coordination
• State/territory government engagement.

Summary: Sustainable operation of community support hubs.

Key Actions:

• Develop long-term funding model.
• Differentiate operational vs service funding.
• Standardized data collection
• Partner with state governments

Summary: A dedicated agency focused on early intervention and seamless transition support, moving away from the currently fragmented system.

Key Actions:

• $78 million over four years officially allocated (announced Dec 2025).
• Scheduled to open 1 July 2026 within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs..
• Will consolidate transition services currently split between Defence and DVA.

Summary: Cross-jurisdictional approach to veteran support.

Key Actions:

• Priority focus areas:
• Veteran homelessness
• Incarcerated veterans
• Healthcare networks
• Data sharing agreements

Summary: Unified voice for veteran advocacy groups.

Key Actions:

• National roadshow complete; feedback from 600+ participants is shaping the final governance.
• 1 Feb 2026 new Institute of Veterans’ Advocacy (IVA) to professionalise the sector.
• Model being designed specifically to ensure smaller ESOs are not overshadowed by larger organizations.
• IVA Accepting membership applications since 1 Feb 2026

Summary: Government maintains different compensation rates.

Key Actions:

• No change to operational/non-operational distinctions
• Expand non-liability mental health care to all reservists.
• Review reserve mental health access.

Summary: Streamline DVA claims processing through integrated assessment.

Key Actions:

• VETS Act 2025 Passed Parliament (Feb 2025).
• All existing payments are “locked in” and won’t be reduced.
• New Benefits Introduced the Additional Disablement Amount (ADA) for older veterans.
• Align with new single Act provisions.

Summary: Independent examination of abuse claim handling.

Key Actions:

• Analyse 2015-2024 claim decisions
• Assess trauma-informed practice.
• Review victim support provisions.
• Final report with improvement recommendations

Summary: Expand medical transition support program.

Key Actions:

• North Queensland expansion 2025-26
• National rollout from 2026-27
• Focus on complex-needs members.
• Pending pilot evaluation results

Summary: Faster, more transparent claims processing.

Key Actions:

• Set/report on SAM transfer time targets.
• Annual digital record progress reports
• Health Knowledge Management System integration
• Quarterly performance updates

Summary: Simplify claims for certain service-related conditions.

Key Actions:

• Establish permanent research team.
• Monitor civilian compensation schemes.
• Immediate focus on PTSD presumption
• Since 21 April 2025 all appeals now go straight to the Veterans’ Review Board

Summary: Maintain interim healthcare access.

Key Actions:

• Extend funding beyond June 2026
• Cover treatment until 31/12/2026.
• For claims under determination
• Common conditions coverage

Summary: Financial support expansion study.

Key Actions:

• Research suicide risk in physical conditions.
• Repatriation Commission review
• Current mental health requirement maintained.
• Report to Government

Summary: Ambitious but achievable performance standards.

Key Actions:

• 65% within 90 days by 7/2026
• 80% within 90 days by 7/2028
• Publish examination usage data.
• Quarterly public reporting

Summary: Replace grant system with sustainable model.

Key Actions:

• Minimum 3-year funding terms
• Demand-driven allocation.
• Equity for women/LGBTIQ+ veterans
• WA pilot program evaluation

Summary: Clearer outcomes measurement and reporting.

Key Actions:

• 75% goal achievement target
• Provider performance breakdowns
• Client access to provider data
• Annual public reporting

Summary: NDIS-style autonomy where appropriate.

Key Actions:

• Provider selection flexibility
• Self-managed household budgets
• Travel cost reimbursements.
• Legislative amendments progressing

Summary: Comprehensive approach to prevention.

Key Actions:

• Link to suicide prevention
• Full DFA recommendation implementation
• Base access protocols for emergency services
• Action Plan by end 2024

Summary: Whole-of-family wellbeing approach.

Key Actions:

• Co-designed support programs
• Improved DMFS communication
• Increased family therapy access
• Public evaluation framework

Summary: Boost resources for family representation.

Key Actions:

• Adequate staffing/budget
• Formal Veteran Family Advocate links
• Implement past review recommendations.
• Shared services exploration

Summary: By late 2026, better coordination on suicide data.

Key Actions:

• Align jurisdictional practices.
• Trauma-informed information sharing
• AGD-led state/territory discussions.
• NCIS utilisation review

Summary: Comprehensive tracking of service impacts.

Key Actions:

• Lifetime service coverage
• Risk/protective factor inclusion.
• AIHW collaboration
• Five Eyes best practice

Summary: Integrated data for suicide prevention.

Key Actions:

• Veteran screening questions agreed upon
• Privacy-protected framework
• Multi-agency collaboration
• Phased implementation.

Summary: Whole-of-government approach.

Key Actions:

• Priority for Defence/DVA
• State/territory agreements.
• Standardized data protocols
• Ongoing Taskforce review

Summary: Measurable progress on information management.

Key Actions:

• Ministerial annual updates
• APS Data Maturity Framework
• Enterprise-wide benchmarks
• First report 2025

Summary: Comprehensive quality assessment.

Key Actions:

• Quality/management audit
• ERP program alignment
• Integration opportunities
• Taskforce consideration

Summary: Highest quality data practices.

Key Actions:

• Tiered improvement targets
• Specialized dataset management
• Cross-functional coordination
• Resourcing assessment

Summary: Centralized accessibility.

Key Actions:

• Priority Data Strategy 2.0 action
• Metadata standards compliance
• Secure access protocols
• Q4 2025 completion

Summary: Data-driven decision making.

Key Actions:

• Privacy-compliant access
• Suicide database integration.
• Behavioural trend analysis
• Taskforce review

Summary: Evidence-based policy foundation.

Key Actions:

• Monash University literature review
• Publish research workplans.
• VF-LINK partnership
• Annual reporting

Summary: Transparent knowledge sharing.

Key Actions:

• Independent peer review
• Expert committee oversight
• Annual publication cycle
• Research gap analysis.

Summary: Bridge research-practice gap.

Key Actions:

• Central evaluation teams
• Evidence library creation
• Policy integration protocols
• Joint research agenda

Summary: High-level strategic guidance.

Key Actions:

• Multidisciplinary membership
• Lived experience inclusion.
• Five Eyes knowledge exchange
• Annual workplan

Summary: Maintain veteran population data.

Key Actions:

• 2026 Census inclusion
• Advocate for separation year question
• Alternative data source review
• ABS collaboration

Summary: Enhanced health understanding.

Key Actions:

• National Health Study inclusion
• Increased veteran sample sizes.
• DHAC/NHMRC coordination
• Funding dependent

Summary: Targeted investment.

Key Actions:

• $10M NHMRC special initiative
• MRFF alignment
• Million Minds Mission
• Taskforce options

Summary: Whole-family wellbeing focus.

Key Actions:

• AIHW/ABS/AIFS collaboration
• Existing data utilization
• Lived experience partnership.
• Taskforce coordination

Summary: Create an independent statutory body to monitor and drive implementation of the Royal Commission’s reforms, ensuring evidence-based improvements to suicide prevention and wellbeing for serving and ex-serving ADF members.

Key Actions:

• Currently led by Acting Commissioner Ms Penny McKay while a permanent inaugural Commissioner is recruited.
• Operations offically began 29 September 2025
• $44.5 million over four years allocated for operational independence.
• Deliver evidence-based advice on system improvements

Progress Update:

• Interim head already appointed
• Standalone legislation (the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Bill 2025) 27 November 2025 to move the body out of the Defence Act.
• Granted “Special Inquiry” powers, such as compelling evidence and documents from Commonwealth entities.