DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 393/08
Thursday, 4 December 2008
RELEASE OF CAPTAIN ANDREW PALJAKKA INQUIRY FINDINGS
The Department of Defence today released the Commission of Inquiry report into the death of
Captain Andrew Paljakka.
The Inquiry concluded it was the compound effect of all the difficulties Captain Paljakka was
experiencing, including alcohol and drug dependence, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD), depression, and his personal problems, that led him to take his own life on 26
February 2007.
The Inquiry found there was no evidence of any traumatic event experienced by Captain
Paljakka during his military service which caused his alcohol or drug use.
The Inquiry, however, did establish that Captain Paljakka developed traumatic memories
which were an elaboration of what he had heard and been told about during his six-week
service in Afghanistan. This is a recognised phenomenon suffered by some individuals with
PTSD.
Defence became aware of Captain Paljakka’s alcohol problem after his return from
Afghanistan in July 2006, and tried to help him, however, he did not complete the programs
in which he had been enrolled.
The Inquiry found that Captain Paljakka’s failure to disclose his suicidal ideation caused his
treating medical personnel difficulty in correctly assessing his suicidal risk.
It also found that all members of Special Operations Command acted appropriately and dealt
with Captain Paljakka in a sensitive and caring manner and provided him with numerous
opportunities to avail himself of professional assistance.
Captain Paljakka was provided with an acceptable standard and quality of care at both the
Balmoral Naval Hospital and St. John of God Private Hospital; however, the Inquiry found
deficiencies in the inter-hospital patient transfer procedure.
The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has agreed to all 16
recommendations in their original form, or in a small number of cases, with minor
modifications. These recommendations include developing a protocol for inter-hospital
patient transfers; implementing an annual mental health screen for ADF personnel; suicidal
risk profiling for significant alcohol and drug related cases will be mandatory on admission to
hospital; enhanced training for clinicians on links between alcohol and PTSD; and reporting
systems to bring all significant suicidal ideations to the attention of treating medical
practitioners.
A copy of the Inquiry report has been provided to Professor David Dunt who will consider its
findings as part of the Defence Mental Health Review.
Media note:
The public report has personal and operationally sensitive information redacted to ensure that
its release does not jeopardise the safety or privacy of Australian soldiers.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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