The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will hold a public hearing in Sydney from Monday, February 14.
The hearing, to begin at 10:00am (AEDT) at the Pullman Hotel Sydney, Hyde Park, will run for one week, focusing on some of the issues the Royal Commission considers should be urgently addressed.
These include interactions with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and delays experienced during the claims process.
The Commission Chair, Nick Kaldas, said he was mindful serving and ex-serving ADF members had been waiting a long time for change and these issues needed to be examined as soon as possible.
“The Commission has a grave responsibility to create real and lasting change for Defence and ex-service members, their families and supporters,” Commissioner Kaldas said.
The Sydney hearing will consist of evidence from people with lived experience – including those who have experienced suicidal ideation and family members of those who have taken their lives. The inquiry will also hear evidence from expert witnesses.
The hearing will be open to the public and those wishing to attend in person are required to register.
Attendees will also need to provide proof of vaccination.
Those unable to attend in person can watch via livestream.
The Royal Commission has so far received more than 1,100 written submissions from individuals and organisations.
Anyone affected by Defence and veteran suicide is encouraged to make a submission.
The Royal Commission will release an interim report by August 11, which will focus on issues requiring urgent or immediate action.
