Australian Catholic University has welcomed the release of the final report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
After three years of investigation and almost 6000 submissions, the royal commission delivered 122 recommendations focused on veteran health and wellbeing, including the transition to civilian life.
ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Zlatko Skrbis has commended the commission for its efforts and its findings.
“The work of the commissioners has been exemplary, and we now have some very clear and actionable guidelines for improving the wellbeing of our veterans and their family members,” Professor Skrbis said.
He also noted that ACU’s efforts to support the veteran community were acknowledged in the report.
“For the past five years, ACU has been working to support veterans and their families. We have an outstanding suite of services and programs to support veterans and family members who wish to attend university. It is pleasing to see that our efforts are making a difference.”
ACU’s Student Veteran Services is dedicated to easing the transition from military life into university. It runs a series of programs specifically designed to help veterans and families succeed in their studies. This includes the Veteran Transition Program, a bridging course that introduces veterans to academic skills needed to thrive at university.
Andrew Condon is a 27-year veteran of the Australian Army and ACU’s Industry Professor for Veterans and their Families. He also welcomed the delivery of the commission’s final report, noting that the veteran service sector needs greater oversight and co-ordination.
“The current veteran support system is more an accident of history than a carefully crafted design,” Mr Condon said.
This has been confirmed by ACU’s Australian Veteran Services Mapping Project, which was prepared for and tabled by the commission.
“This report shows that the veteran services landscape is far too difficult for the veteran community to navigate – meaning that some people may not be able to find the help that they need,” Mr Condon said.
“Research will be vital in providing a stronger evidence base to gain a deeper understanding about the needs of current and ex-serving veterans and their families. It is critical that we work with the Government to translate that research into practice.”
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ACU uniquely placed to help deliver recommendations of Royal Commission (ACU)
