The report found the government is not doing enough to help the 6000 veterans each year,many still in their 20s,who face the challenge of adjusting to what it called a “cascade of changes” when they return to civilian life.
Even though there have been scores of inquiries into the issue,the report found that the Defence Department has still not undertaken a systematic study of the problem of veteran suicide. The report says Defence has shown a “sustained lack of curiosity and action”.
Although the royal commission has two more years to run,it made a series of urgent recommendations to clear a massive backlog which has built up in the processing of claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs for compensation,treatment or rehabilitation. It says the frustration of negotiating this system is contributing to the high rates of suicide.
Due partly to a sharp increase in claims in the past five years,it now takes 300 days,on average,to receive a positive decision and claims are often treated with deep suspicion.
Senator Jacqui Lambie,who agitated for the current inquiry,testified last week about her own experience after leaving the ADF when her six-year battle with the department to receive help with a back injury drove her to consider suicide.
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Keogh said he was “deeply sorry” for the failings highlighted by the report and promised action.
At a time when the government is trying to control spending it will be hard to find the money but society owes a debt to veterans for their service to their country and it must be paid.
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