Veterans and families who have fought hard for the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides, now fear it could be a waste of time because plans are being led by the very department they want to be questioned.
The consultation process around the draft terms of reference is currently being led by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The terms of reference will determine the scope of the new royal commission, including what it will and won’t cover.
However war widow Jessica Taylor is begging for an independent process, claiming the current system has failed her family.
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“I would love to go into DVA and defence and just turn it on its head,” she said.
When Jessica’s late husband Duane Neave returned from Afghanistan he was a changed man. He had mental health issues, had become violent, and was an alcoholic.
“He wasn’t the man I had kids with, he was not the man I thought I would be growing old with ... he was just different.”
Jessica says she reached out to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs repeatedly - both before and after Duane ended his life in September.
Retired special forces commando Heston Russell, who publicly battled for the royal commission, now feels veterans have been betrayed.
“Veterans and families who are standing there in the arena with blood and sand and sweat on their face are now being told to trust these impostors,” he said. “A huge portion of blame that’s going to come out of this royal commission is going to be directed at the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
He believes the department should step back.
Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has been lobbying the government on the issue, over the past few days.
“This would have to be the first time in history where those people that are being put under the microscope are actually being part of forming the terms of reference for a royal commission,” she said.
Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester has stressed, there is no conflict of interest. He argues families will be listened to and everyone will have a chance to have their say in the process.
“To go out and talk to veterans, to consult with veterans, to listen to them, I think that’s my job here,” he said.
But Heston Russell doesn’t trust the government’s process. His support group Voice of a Veteran is running its own separate consultation process.
“I’ll be working with any others that have the trust of the veteran community to bring that forward and provide that to the attorney general’s department,” he said.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.