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Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention appointed
Date published:
The National Mental Health Commission welcomes the Commonwealth Attorney-General Christian Porter’s announcement of the appointment of Dr Bernadette Boss, CSC, as the interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.
Christine Morgan said, “While my role as the Prime Minister’s Suicide Prevention Adviser will stay focussed on developing options to improve the whole-of-government coordination and delivery of suicide prevention activities across portfolios, the specific focus on defence personnel, veterans and their families is welcomed. The appointment of an interim Commissioner can only strengthen our national approach to suicide prevention.”
Subject to passage of legislation currently before the Parliament, Dr Boss’ role will be formalised as the National Commissioner with powers broadly equivalent to a Royal Commission to:
inquire into the circumstances of past and future ADF member and veteran deaths by suicide, including suspected deaths by suicide
hear about the impact of ADF member and veteran deaths by suicide on families and others who are affected
make findings and recommendations to the Australian Government; and
promote the understanding of suicide risks for ADF members and veterans, and factors that can improve the wellbeing of ADF members and veterans.
“I look forward to working with Dr Bernadette Boss, CSC, to ensure that our broader review and advice can inform and support the work of the Commissioner going forward, meaning that Australians get the right support at the right time,” said Ms Morgan.
The Commission acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, work and learn.
Diversity
The Commission is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. The Commission welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lived Experience
We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.
