This article contains references to suicide and sexual violence.
The federal government has agreed to launch an independent inquiry into sexual violence in the Australian military, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying “we must do better”.
The government published its response to accepting the majority of the 122 recommendations made.
A total of 104 proposals were approved or accepted in principle, and 17 were noted for further consideration.
Albanese said the nation had “lost too many lives, and every one of them is heartbreaking.”
“Today I want to pay tribute to every family and friend who is grieving the loss of a loved one,” he said.
“Today’s response to the Royal Commission’s final report represents a historic opportunity to implement lasting reform and support our Defense personnel, veterans and their families.
The government rejected just one recommendation: remove the “service difference” for permanent impairment compensation.
Unions do not support changing the rule that grants higher levels of compensation for injuries or illnesses suffered during operations, as opposed to those suffered during training.
The issue of serving under wartime conditions remains controversial within the veteran community, with some wanting to keep the various standards in place.
A new statutory body overseeing Defense and Veterans Affairs reform will be created immediately, with an interim head to be appointed as soon as possible, before the body is legislated by September next year.
The government agrees to open an investigation into sexual violence
The royal commission concluded sexual misconduct remained a systemic problem for the Australian Defense Force (ADF), with the government agreeing to a future independent inquiry into the issue.
The government is working out the details, with no set date for the investigation to begin.
A new “presumption” of dismissal will be introduced for soldiers convicted of sexual offences, including harassment or intimate image abuse, whether the conviction is imposed by the military justice system or civilian courts.
But they will be able to explain why they should not be kicked out of the army, and possibly stay in the ADF.
Asked about the extent of sexual violence in the military, Albanese said: “It’s clear we have to do better.”
“We now have clear direction resulting from the recommendations of the royal commission, but also from the government’s response.”
The investigation found that members of the defense forces convicted of sex crimes under the military justice system remained in service and that when members were convicted of offenses, those offenses were not transferred to civilian records .
The government agreed that surviving victims should not be forced to work with their abusers throughout their careers.
De-identified sexual misconduct data should be published annually on all incidents and outcomes, the response states.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said any death by suicide among serving personnel or veterans was a “national tragedy”.
He said implementing the royal commission’s recommendations is “not a simple task, but it is essential”.
“[It] is our plan for systemic and lasting reform to ensure we support our defense and veteran communities.
“I thank them for their fight”
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie welcomed the government’s rapid response to the royal commission.
“Veterans, their families and have fought for years for justice and I thank them for their fight,” she said.
Finney’s son David took his own life in 2019 after a two-decade career in the Royal Australian Navy.
She fought for a royal commission on his behalf and for hundreds of other Australian veterans who took their own lives.
Lambie, who also argued for a royal commission, said it was essential the statutory body was independent and provided “frank and fearless” advice to the government.
RSL [Returned & Services League of] Australian National President Greg Melick said implementation of the recommendations would be best done by an independent and sustainable body.
“The RSL is indebted to every person who has shared their story and is prepared to work with government to play its part in bringing about meaningful change,” he said.
Readers seeking help can contact the Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14 and the suicide callback service on 1300 659 467.
ADF members and their families can call the 24/7 Defense Helpline, a confidential telephone and online service, on 1800 628 036.
Open Arms provides free, confidential advice and support to current and former ADF members and their families 24 hours a day on 1800 011 046.
Defense personnel, contemporary veterans and their families can also contact national support service provider Soldier On during office hours on 1300 620 380.
If you or someone you know is affected by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit . In case of emergency, call 000.
operated by Non à la violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
