Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA083
Friday, 22 August 2008
INDEPENDENT STUDY INTO SUICIDE IN EX-SERVICE COMMUNITY
COMMENCES
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today released details of an independent study into
the incidence of suicide in the ex-service community.
Delivering on a key election commitment, the Minister said the study would examine a number of
specific cases of suicide by ex-service members in recent years to help identify those members who
may be at risk of self harm.
“We know that war service can have both a physical and mental impact on the lives of service
personnel. Physical impairment can be obvious, psychological injury is less so,” Mr Griffin said.
“This Government is determined to support veterans and ex serving personnel who may suffer
psychologically as a result of their service, however to do so we need a better understanding of the
incidence and characteristics of suicide amongst this community.”
Associate Professor David Dunt, epidemiologist and public health specialist, will conduct the study
and is expected to report to Government by the end of this year.
“Professor Dunt is also conducting the recently announced review of mental health services in the
Australian Defence Force and his appointment to conduct the suicide study will deliver a more
coordinated response to mental health while in-service and post-service,” the Minister said.
“The suicide study will be conducted independently of my Department and the ADF. The terms of
reference have been developed in consultation with the National Veterans’ Mental Health and
Wellbeing Forum.
“We are seeking to better identify those at risk, common contributing factors in recent cases, the
incidence of suicide in the ex-service community, and whether there is more that government
agencies and the medical and allied-health professions can do to support veterans under stress.”
Professor Dunt is welcoming submissions from members of the veteran and ex service community,
with submissions closing on 5 October 2008. Submissions will not be published, allowing veterans
full privacy and confidentiality. Submissions can be sent to suicidestudy2008@bigpond.com or PO
Box 4145 Melbourne University VIC 3052. Further details are available at www.dva.gov.au.
Editors Note: Terms of Reference are attached.
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email please go to minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
INDEPENDENT STUDY INTO SUICIDE IN THE EX-SERVICE COMMUNITY
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Background
1.
An election Commitment in Labor’s Plan for Veterans’ Affairs is to conduct an independent study
into suicide in the ex-service community.
Purpose of the Study
2.
The suicide study will examine the broad issues of suicide in the ex-service community, and a
number of specific cases of suicide in the last three years, to help identify:
ex-service members who are at increased risk of self-harm;
common contributing factors among ex-service members who have committed or
attempted suicide;
the extent of suicide in the ex-service community;
lifestyle or other factors that may be contributing to suicide in the ex-service
community; and
recommended administrative reforms or initiatives to help combat suicide in the ex-
service community.
Structure of the Study
3.
An eminent person will be appointed to conduct the study. That person will be supported by a
secretariat from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and will have the capacity to draw on
appropriate experts as required.
Timing
4.
It is expected that a report on the study will be provided to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in
December 2008.
Issues for Consideration
5.
The study should be cognisant of a number of election commitments already identified by the
Government to address mental health issues. These include (but are not limited to):
(a)
The ADF mental health ‘Lifecycle’ package;
(b)
Applied Suicide Intervention and Skills Training (ASIST) program; and
(c)
Make community mental health care ex-service friendly.
6.
The study should take into account the work from the Inter-Departmental Working Group looking
at rationalising the administrative burden for veterans dealing with multiple agencies and the
transitional arrangements.
7.
The study should draw on investigations into individual suicides, including Boards/Commissions
of Inquiry (for example the recent Gregg Review), to examine the recommendations, the
subsequent responses and action taken.
8.
The study should draw on other reviews that have occurred or are occurring relevant to suicide or
at risk behaviours in the ex-service community. These include (but are not limited to):
(a)
Relevant research such as the “Preventing suicide: a psychological autopsy study of the
last contact with a health professional before suicide” that is currently being undertaken
by Griffith university; and
(b)
The imminent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare investigation into the cause of
death of DVA clients by age/sex/conflict with a specific focus on suicide.
9.
The Study should also consider any relevant information that is made available to the concurrent
Review of Mental Health Care in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Transition through
Discharge.
Terms of Reference
10.
The specific tasks of the study are to:
(a)
Review recent cases of suicide, including those previously identified by the National
Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum;
(b)
Draw on current national and international research and literature reviews to identify
common contributing factors among ex-service members who have committed or
attempted suicide;
(c)
Identify lifestyle or other factors that may be contributing to suicide in the ex-service
community;
(d)
Identify indicators that could help identify ex-service members who are at an increased
risk of self harm;
(e)
Having regard to the Review of Mental Health Care in the ADF and Transition through
Discharge, help address suicide in the ex-service community, including highlighting
changes to current policies, procedures and practices that exist in DVA that would
minimise potential stress
(f)
Estimate the extent of suicide in the ex-service community, compared to the general
community; and
(g)
Prepare a final report to the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs by December 2008 with
appropriate findings and recommendations.
Governance Board
11.
A governance board will be set up to oversight the study and provide advice to the Department
on the progress of the study.
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