Media statement 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 18 August 2025

up to 96 VETERANS DEAD by suicide SINCE ROYAL COMMISSION final report

 SENATE REVIEWS FLAWED OVERSIGHt LEGISLATION TODAY

Since the Royal Commission’s Final Report in September 2024, an estimated 96 veterans have taken their lives. Each death devastates approximately 135 people – families, friends, and mates.  That’s 12,960 Australians now living with this loss.

Today at 1:00 PM, the Senate conducts a televised public hearing on legislation designed to prevent these tragedies – but drafted without consulting the very community it claims to protect.

The $200 million Royal Commission delivered one critical recommendation: independent oversight to “send a clear signal that the Australian Government recognises the gravity of this crisis and values the lives of those who serve.”

Instead, Parliament is reviewing legislation created with zero accountability – the very problem it was meant to solve.

Media Contact: Ian Lindgren
Australian Veteran Community
Canberra
www.australianveterancommunity.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0414 245 254

Senators will receive testimony remotely.

Support Resources:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Open Arms: 1800 011 046 (veterans and families counselling)
Defence All-Hours Support Line: 1800 628 036 (ADF members and families)