The Australian federal government will announce its progress in addressing critical recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This report will coincide with the one-year anniversary of Labor’s initial response to the commission’s findings. According to the inquiry, between 1997 and 2021, a staggering 1,677 serving and former defence personnel died by suicide, a figure more than 20 times greater than those killed in active duty during the same timeframe.
Matt Keogh, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, will deliver the update at the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The government has accepted the majority of the inquiry’s 122 recommendations, demonstrating a commitment to reform. However, in a parliamentary update last September, it was revealed that only nine of these recommendations had been completed, with progress ongoing on an additional 110.
New Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence Announced
In a significant development, Mr. Keogh will confirm the launch of a standalone inquiry into military sexual violence, fulfilling another of the royal commission’s recommendations. This inquiry aims to investigate the barriers within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) that hinder the investigation of sexual assault cases and assess the effectiveness of the military justice system. The inquiry is set to commence next year and will conclude within 12 months, culminating in a final report on military sexual violence.
This announcement comes as a class action lawsuit by a group of women alleging systemic sexual abuse within the military is set to be heard in court on the same day. The lawsuit involves four applicants, whose identities are protected for legal reasons. Women who have experienced sexual violence, harassment, or discrimination while serving in the Australian military between November 12, 2003, and May 25, 2025, are eligible to join this landmark legal battle.
The royal commission emphasized the need for stricter consequences for troops convicted of sexual crimes, improved support for victim-survivors, and increased efforts to understand the prevalence of violence within the defence force. These reforms are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of military personnel and addressing the long-standing issues highlighted by the commission. As the government prepares to outline its progress, the implications of these reforms will be closely watched by both the public and advocacy groups.
