The devastating mental health crisis among ADF veterans, marked by alarming suicide rates and systemic failures, demands urgent attention and immediate reform.
Trigger Warning:
This article contains discussions of suicide, mental health challenges, and trauma, particularly within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) veteran community. These topics may be distressing for some readers, especially those who have experienced similar struggles or losses. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please reach out to support services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Open Arms (1800 011 046), or other local mental health resources. Reader discretion is advised.
At Donaldson Law, we are committed to supporting survivors of abuse who have suffered in silence for a long time and who have been affected by systemic failures within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). In the coming weeks, we will release a series of articles unpacking the report’s findings, offer insights and discuss the actionable recommendations made by the Commission to the ADF as outlined within the very lengthy recent final report released by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide on 9 September 2024. The report magnifies the long-term mental health challenges that cripple the veteran community as a result of inadequate support systems both during and after their service.
A National Crisis: The Unacceptably High Suicide Rates Among ADF Veterans
The Royal Commission’s final report revealed that between 1985 and 2021, a staggering 2,007 individuals with ADF service died by suicide, averaging nearly 80 deaths per year. This is a sobering reminder of the deep mental health crisis within the veteran community. The true scale of the issue is likely underreported, as the data excludes veterans who served before 1985, such as many Vietnam veterans.
Of particular concern is the disproportionate rate of suicide among ex-servicemen and women. Male veterans are 26% more likely to die by suicide than the general population, while female veterans face an even greater risk—107% higher than their civilian counterparts. These figures underscore the long-term mental health challenges that many veterans face, often exacerbated by inadequate support systems during and after their service.
The Impact of ‘Deaths of Despair’ on Veterans’ Mental Health
The report also highlights the occurrence of “deaths of despair,” which refer to suicides, drug and alcohol abuse, and other preventable deaths linked to mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Many veterans find themselves struggling to cope with the psychological toll of their military service, long after their active duty has ended.
One critical factor in this crisis is the difficult transition from military to civilian life. Many veterans lose their sense of identity, purpose, and community once they leave the ADF. This loss, coupled with insufficient mental health and social support, and the difficulties they face when trying to reintegrate into civilian working life, leaves many feeling isolated and vulnerable. According to the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme, more than 20% of ex-serving members of the permanent forces reported suicidal thoughts in the past year—an alarming contrast to the 3.3% figure among the general Australian population.
The ADF’s Workforce Crisis: Undermining Mental Health and Wellbeing
In addition to the mental health struggles of ex-servicemen, the Royal Commission report identified a workforce crisis within the ADF itself. As of late 2023, the ADF was operating with 6.8% fewer personnel than its funded staffing levels, with another 15% of members medically unavailable to serve. These staffing shortages not only strain operational readiness but also place immense pressure on serving personnel, who often face overwork, burnout, and limited mental health support.
The Royal Commission has urged the ADF to establish stronger connections between operational efficiency and its members’ mental health and well-being. Leadership within the ADF is critical in addressing this crisis. The report recommends that performance appraisals for senior leaders include their efforts to foster a healthy, supportive work environment. Without this focus, the ADF risks further undermining both its operational capacity and the mental health of its workforce.
Reform and Accountability: The Path Forward
The findings of the Royal Commission make one thing clear: immediate reform is necessary to address the crisis in mental health and prevent further tragedies. The report calls for the creation of a new statutory body dedicated to overseeing these reforms and for stronger accountability among ADF leadership. The well-being of serving and ex-serving ADF members must become a national priority.
The Royal Commission also highlighted the need for systemic changes within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), particularly in addressing the backlog of claims and simplifying compensation and rehabilitation processes. The current complexities in accessing mental health services and support are a significant barrier to veterans’ recovery, and reforming these systems is crucial for preventing further harm.
Future Articles: Unpacking the Royal Commission’s Insights
In future instalments of this article series, we will delve further into the Royal Commission’s findings, exploring key insights and unpacking complex issues surrounding the final report.