The Federal Government has announced a royal commission into veteran and serving Defence personnel suicides. 

It comes several weeks after a motion passed both chambers of Parliament supporting the creation of the royal commission.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison supported the motion but spent the intervening weeks claiming the issue could be dealt with by a permanent national commissioner for veteran suicides.

But now, Mr Morrison says a royal commission will help the “healing process”.

“The royal commission will have a mandate to examine the systemic issues and any common themes and past deaths by suicide of Australian Defence Force members and veterans,” he said.

“[It will examine] the experience of members and veterans who may continue to be at risk of suicide.

“And it will examine all aspects of service in the Australian Defence Force and the experience of those transitioning from active service.”

The PM said past confirmed and suspected suicides will be within the commission’s scope.

“Given the sensitive and personal nature of the issues that witnesses may face, the royal commission will be authorised to hold private sessions,” he said.

“The inquiry will not be about making findings of civil or criminal wrongdoing.”

Last year, stats showed there were over 400 known veteran suicide cases dating back to 2001, but that figure is expected to have soared over the past 12 months.

By comparison, 41 Australian defence personnel have been killed in the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said the royal commission would work alongside the planned permanent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.

Legislation to establish the National Commissioner was introduced last year, but has stalled in the Senate.

The Defence all-hours Support Line is a confidential telephone and online service for ADF members and their families available on 1800 628 036

Open Arms offers 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families on 1800 011 046