Advisory Councils

As envisaged by the Royal Commission, non-statutory appointments will be made from individuals who can bring a mix of skills, experience and expertise including, lived experience of suicide and suicidality, relevant subject matter expertise in areas such as suicide prevention, veteran health and wellbeing, and experience serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The advisory councils are also envisaged to bring diversity of thought and different perspectives to reflect the diversity of the contemporary serving and ex-serving ADF community and their families.

Members will share their advice and insight to help inform the Commissioner on the Defence and veteran ecosystem, suggestions and priorities for future reviews, ways to effectively engage and communicate with different interested parties, the implementation of Royal Commission recommendations, and DVSC materials and reports as required.

The DVSC specifically recognises the individual and collective contributions of those with lived and living experience of suicide and suicidality. People who have survived suicide attempts, cared for a person in suicidal crisis or have lost a loved one to suicide demonstrate tremendous generosity through providing their expertise and insights. Every person's journey is unique and the experiences shared with us are a valued contribution to Australia's commitment to suicide prevention for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.