Two years after the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide delivered its landmark final report, veterans and researchers are calling for greater transparency and faster action on reforms designed to save lives.
140+
since the Royal Commission recommendations were delivered in September 2024*.
*Estimation based on recent official reporting trends, as confirmed national data for veteran suicide deaths after 2023 is not yet publicly available.
The figure of 10 implemented and 111 underway reflects public reporting on recommendations fully implemented as at 9th September 2026.
The Australian Government’s official figure of 32 implemented included recommendations implemented or expected to be implemented by 31 December 2025. No complete public register identifying these recommendations has been published.
Two years after the Royal Commission delivered its findings, there is certainly work underway, but veterans and families still do not have a transparent way of seeing exactly what has been achieved and what remains outstanding”
Professor Ben Wadham
Director, Open Door Initiative
4 perspectives, 2 years on
A reflection from veterans, family members and researchers on the progress since September 2024.
Hear the individual stories:
Julia Delaforce
Air Force Veteran
John Armfield
Navy Veteran
Karen Bird
Mother of Army Veteran
Kathryn Rae
Army Veteran
THE RESEARCH
Open Door is running the 2 Year On campaign to bring veterans’ voices and experiences into public view and to build momentum for systemic change in how Australia understands, measures and responds to veteran wellbeing and suicide.
Open Door recently conducted a national survey assessing wellbeing of 526 veterans across five key life dimensions.
Health was the greatest category of concern, with
Our research at Open Door starts from the premise that veteran suicide is not only an individual mental health issue, but a social, cultural and institutional problem rooted in service, transition and the systems that surround veterans and their families.
Our campaign ties directly into Open Door’s program of research on the social determinants of health, institutional cultures, and the historical and contemporary drivers of veteran suicide and distress.
By connecting lived experience with archival research, national surveys and qualitative studies, we aim to build an evidence base that can inform policy, practice and community responses across the life course, so that those who have served are supported to succeed, thrive and flourish.
Professor Ben Wadham
Director, Open Door Initiative
Learn more
The stories and information shared here are part of a much broader national conversation. Explore the resources below to learn more about veteran suicide, the Royal Commission and the work continuing across Australia.
Access national data and reporting on suicide among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
Access national data and reporting on suicide among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
Read the Final Report, recommendations and supporting research.
Follow Australian Government updates on the response to the Royal Commission and the implementation of its recommendations.
You are not alone.
If you are a veteran, family member, friend or someone affected by suicide, support is available.
