The 3,000+ page report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was presented to Governor-General Sam Mostyn this week. It was also tabled in Federal Parliament. The report, its findings and recommendations have relevance to ‘regular’ workplaces in Australia.
It found the Defence-related suicide rate has remained alarmingly high for decades; identified numerous institutional drivers for this, ranging from abuse of power and bullying to preventable workplace injuries. Among its recommendations are many that could apply to other industries, including that senior leader be required to meet WHS targets, and WHS audits focus on psychosocial hazards.
The report says that drivers which "contribute to the persistently high rates of suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members", and "have affected the institutional capacity to address and reduce the prevalence of suicide and suicidality", include (but not limited to):
- Cultural norms that can "manifest in suboptimal outcomes" where "applied narrowly or excessively"
- Poor behaviour from leaders, including the abuse of power, which can "have a considerably negative effect across the organisation" and “affect opportunities for genuine cultural reform"
- Deficiencies in governance mechanisms that "reduce the organisation's ability to identify, escalate and address areas of risk to health and wellbeing"
- Exposure to unacceptable behaviour, such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, misogyny, and physical and sexual violence experienced during training or throughout service life
- Being punished for symptoms of poor mental health. Rather than being assisted, ADF members displaying signs of mental health distress can "find themselves involved with the military justice system"
- Exposure to traumatising events in active war zones and during training exercises.
- Service-related injuries and illnesses, which can significantly hamper an ADF member's opportunities and career.
- Separating from the ADF and transitioning to civilian life, which are "characterised by instability and uncertainty, as well as social and psychosocial disruption", exposing members to suicide and suicidality risks.
Read more: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and Final Report Source: OHS Alert
