Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Solomon for his question and for his strong advocacy of the need for a royal commission. On behalf of the government, the parliament and indeed the people of Australia, I want to thank everyone who contributed to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. In particular, I want to acknowledge the Defence Force members, veterans and their families who have shared experiences to shape the final report that will be tabled later today. For many, this meant revisiting the darkest moments of their lives. There were 12 public hearings, 340 witnesses and 900 private sessions. More than 5,800 submissions were made to this royal commission. It is a measure of the extraordinary courage of those involved and a reflection of their great selflessness and their determination to make sure that others are protected from what they have endured.

I do want to also, in addition to recognising the contribution of the member for Solomon, recognise Senator Lambie in particular for her steadfast efforts and other members of parliament, on both sides, who have been passionate about this issue. I also want to recognise some of the families. I note that Julie-Ann Finney is in the gallery today. She did so much to bring this commission about.

Royal commissions hold a special status in our democracy. They have power to seek the truth about what has happened in the past, but they also carry a weight and status to drive change into the future, to make our nation face up to our collective failures to not do better—and to demand that we do better in the future. This is why the government will thoroughly consider every recommendation, and we want to work across the parliament on these issues and do what we can to ensure that. Just as our veterans and defence personnel step up for our country, we have an obligation to step up for them.

I want to say that this will be a difficult day for many people. It will be triggering. I want to encourage anyone who's in need of support to contact either Lifeline on 131114 or Open Arms on 1800011046.

'Lest we forget' is Australia's most solemn promise. It's a promise we make to remember the fallen, to honour their sacrifice, to care for the loved ones who are left behind and to ensure that all those who have worn the uniform of this nation have access to the support and services they need and deserve. This will be a difficult day for many Australians, but I pay tribute to all those who have endured a difficult day today in order to make tomorrow better for those veterans.

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