Legacy recognises and applauds the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

Legacy recognises and applauds the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Legacy, a uniquely Australian national organisation dedicated to supporting the families of veterans for over 100 years, reaffirms its commitment to this mission as it welcomes the Australian Government’s response to the recommendations from the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, released in September 2024.

Chairman of Legacy Australia, Wayne McNee, expressed his sincere thanks to those who courageously shared their experiences to shape the report’s recommendations. “On behalf of Legacy Australia, I express our gratitude to the loved ones who bravely shared their lived experience and relived their grief to inform the recommendations of the report,” he said.

Mr McNee also acknowledged the efforts of the Commissioners in producing this comprehensive and significant report after three years of dedicated work.

Legacy would like to call the Government’s attention to the following:

• Legacy recognises the urgent need to address the issues highlighted by the veteran community and acknowledges the Government’s acceptance of 104 out of 122 recommendations. While the response is very positive, Legacy looks forward to seeing further detail response on how the recommendations will be implemented and awaits progress on the 17 recommendations noted for consideration.
• Legacy welcomes the establishment of the Defence and Veterans Services Commission and supports its role as an independent body tasked with addressing the systemic issues that have contributed to the loss of defence personnel and veterans to suicide and impacted families.
• Legacy remains committed to working closely with the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), the Defence Family Advocate Charlotte Webb and the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner Gwen Cherne, the RSL and other ESOs to ensure families of veterans are at the forefront of the implementation of these recommendations.

On 22 November 2024, Legacy submitted a formal response to the Government and highlighted several recommendations deemed essential for upholding the wellbeing and resilience of families affected by military service.

McNee continued, “We are happy to note that all bar one recommendation have been agreed or agreed in principle, including the establishment of a peak body for ex-service organisations (ESOs). Legacy is prepared to have a significant role in this peak body.”

Legacy urges the Government to act now, not only to address the systemic issues identified but also to ensure that families of veterans are placed at the heart of veteran wellbeing initiatives.

As it has for more than a century, Legacy will continue to advocate tirelessly for the families of veterans, ensuring the Royal Commission’s recommendations are fully implemented and deliver meaningful support to those families.