Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA006
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
DUNT VETERAN SUICIDE STUDY PROVIDED TO GOVERNMENT
Yet another election commitment by the Rudd Government has been delivered with the Minister
for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, receiving the independent Dunt review into suicide in the ex-
service community.
“The Government is committed to improving the mental health of current and ex-service men
and women during and after their service careers,” Mr Griffin said.
The study examines broad issues of suicide in the ex-service community and a number of
specific cases in the last three years. It also helps to identify the extent of suicide in the ex-
service community, some common contributing factors, veterans who may be at risk and what
administrative changes can be made to help combat the problem.
In preparing the report, Professor Dunt and his team held extensive consultations with ex-
service organisations, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and members of the Australian
Defence Force.
“A Governance Board was also formed to support the work of Professor Dunt. The Board
included senior members from Defence and DVA and representatives of the ex-service
community,” Mr Griffin said.
“This is a lengthy report with detailed recommendations on quite complex matters, so it will take
time to develop the Government’s response.
“Importantly, it will guide us in further refining our programs to better help those current and
former service personnel who are at risk.”
There are already several mental health programs available to current and former serving
members and their families. These include access to the VVCS - Veterans and Veterans
Families Counselling Service and the At Ease initiative which provides a suite of health
promotional materials to raise awareness of the importance of veterans’ mental health. Further
information on these services can be found at www.dva.gov.au or by calling 133 254.
Media inquiries: Darren Loasby 0419 004 876
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 subscribe at minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
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