The DVSC will improve transparency and accountability across the Defence and veteran ecosystem. It will drive positive change for veterans and their families, through monitoring, inquiring into, and publicly reporting on systemic issues that contribute to suicide and suicidality among current and ex-serving ADF members.
Inquiries may explore topics, including:
- Data and trends regarding suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members
- Systemic factors relating to the Commonwealth’s administration of policies, programs, systems and practices that contribute to suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members
- The state of the Defence and veteran ecosystem, as it relates to the prevention of suicide and suicidality, and
- The Australian Government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, including progress, impact and outcomes.
The DVSC is required to undertake at least two inquiries into the Australian Government’s implementation of the Government’s response to recommendations of the Royal Commission. The first is to be completed by 5 February 2027.
Current Inquiries
Past Inquiries
When finalised, information about past inquiries will be found here.
What is a systemic issue?
A significant part of the DVSC’s work is conducting inquiries into the systemic challenges outlined by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
There are several factors considered to determine if an issue is systemic or not:
- Is it more than a single or isolated incident?
- Is it a significant issue
- Does it have widespread implications and affect a significant number of current and ex-serving ADF members in Australia?
- Alternatively, does it significantly disadvantage a specific demographic of current and/or ex-serving ADF members?
- Has the issue persisted for a number of years despite attempts to address it?
- Does this issue require a multi-agency or multi-pronged approach to address it?
The DVSC does not have a role in reviewing or assessing individual cases, claims, complaints or appeals or making recommendations about individual cases. The DVSC cannot intervene on an individual’s behalf to include an outcome in their case.
How to get involved
Find out how to contribute your experience to an inquiry on our Consultations page. If you would like to be notified of inquiries as they are announced sign up to get the latest news and updates from the DVSC.
