Frequently Asked Questions about the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
This topic has information about the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and links to other resources.
Submissions to the Royal Commission closed on 13 October 2023 and a final report is due by no later than 17 June 2024.
A Royal Commission is a special type of investigation into a particular issue. It is independent from the Government and has certain features, including:
At a federal level, a Royal Commission has powers under the Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth). Different laws apply at a state level. In NSW, a Royal Commission has powers under the Royal Commissions Act 1923 (NSW).
Mr Nick Kaldas APM has been appointed as Chair of the Royal Commission.
Mr Kaldas is supported by two other Royal Commissioners:
For more information, see About the Commission on the Royal Commission in Defence and Veteran Suicide website.
The Royal Commission will investigate:
For more information, see Terms of reference on the Royal Commission in Defence and Veteran Suicide website.
You can share your story at a public hearing.
For more information, see Hearings on the Royal Commission in Defence and Veteran Suicide website.
Submissions closed on 13 October 2023. Unfortunately, you can no longer make a submission.
Information given in private sessions is private and confidential. As well as this, any information provided in confidential written statements or information shared with Royal Commission staff during interviews will remain confidential and your identity will not be disclosed.Â
If you are worried about protecting your privacy, you can discuss this further with the Royal Commission staff.
Requests for private sessions closed on 28 April 2023. The Royal Commission will continue to hold private sessions throughout 2023 and into 2024.
For more information, see Private sessions on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide website.
The Solicitors and Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission will ask people to be witnesses at a public hearing. You may be asked to be a witness if you have made a submission or had a private session.
If you are a witness, you may be asked to give a witness statement that sets out the evidence you will give to the Royal Commission. When you attend the hearing, you may be asked questions about your evidence by Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission and/or the Commissioners.
For more information, see the factsheet Have you been called to be a witness at a public hearing? on the Defence and Veterans Legal Service website.
The Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) is a free, national service that provides independent information and legal advice to Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans, and their families, carers and supporters.
DAVLS can help people to understand their legal rights and options while engaging with the Royal Commission, as well as referrals to counselling and other support services.
For more information, see the Defence and Veterans Legal Service website.
A lawyer can give you information and advice about the best way to share your story with the Royal Commission.
You may want to get legal advice if:
For more information, see Get legal support and the factsheet Do you want to name a person or organisation? on the Defence and Veterans Legal Service website.
The Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) can provide referrals to counselling and other support services, as well as confidential legal advice.
For more information, including information about who to contact in a crisis, see Support services on the Defence and Veterans Legal Service website.
Last updated: February 2024