Claire Clutterham
Sturt · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Some in this House have asked: how many cups of coffee can you buy with the Albanese Labor government's 1 July 2026 tax cuts? But I ask: how many cups of coffee can you buy with the money that you save from seeing a GP for free?”
“The eSafety Commissioner has identified serious compliance concerns and is actively investigating five major platforms due to their noncompliance.”
“But we need action from the entire parliament, in this place and in the other place, for that to happen. I call on all members and senators to walk together to take this action. I do that because this issue is also deeply personal for me. In my first speech to this parliament, I spoke about my own experience of bullying at school.”
“One of the early scenes in the 2010 movie The Social Network depicted young women at Harvard recoiling in disgust as they discover a website created by one of their peers that allowed male students to compare them based on their so-called 'hotness'. The website was a precursor to what would become Facebook.”
“Social media is a part of the world they have always known, yet they were remarkably forthright about its downsides. They spoke about algorithms that keep them scrolling, the pressure to seek approval through likes and followers, and the impact social media was having on their confidence, self-esteem and mental health.”
“That is why keeping children safe online should be a bipartisan issue. When the Albanese Labor government introduced the social media minimum age of 16 last year, we did so because we listened to parents, educators, experts and young people.”
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“Under current arrangements, veteran entitlements are provided under three separate compensation acts—the MRCA, the Veterans' Entitlements Act and the DRCA—and eligibility under one of these acts depends on when the veteran served and which periods of service caused or contributed to the condition being claimed. The simplification act modifies these arrangements by providing that, from 1 July 2026, all claims for compensation and rehabilitation will be determined under an improved MRCA. Significant consultation was undertaken between 2022 and 2024 to ensure the simplification act reflected the lived experience of veterans and their families. The amendments made in this bill will implement certain aspects of the policy intention that was developed under that consultation.”
“I rise today to speak in support of the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025, which continues the government's response to the recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This bill, which is further designed to simplify the veterans entitlement system, goes hand in glove with the amendments made in the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025, which was introduced into the parliament last year. Also a feature of last year was the passage of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024, or the VETS act, which operates to streamline and simplify legislation relating to veterans from 1 July 2026 by removing the complex tri-act system.”
“In essence, was it done quickly in an afternoon or was it done over an appropriate period of time using all reasonably available technological methods so there's clear guidance for those seeking to rely on this section of the act? This bill quite rightly strengthens and modernises the Copyright Act. I commend the work of both the former attorney-general and the current Attorney-General, the Hon. Michelle Rowland, in bringing this before the parliament. I commend this bill to the House.”
“These matters include the nature of the copyright material, with higher standards possibly applying to material that contains Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, which reflects the government's commitment as outlined in Revive, to introduce standalone legislation to protect First Nations peoples knowledge and cultural experiences. The matters also include the nature, purpose and character of the infringing use, whether the owner or owners of the copyright are likely to be located in a foreign country, the actual or likely impact of the infringing use on the copyright owner or owners, any relevant industry guidelines and the way and timeframe over which the search was conducted.”
“The court is also required to consider whether the search was conducted within a reasonable period of time before the copyright material was used. The search should be conducted as close to the time of use as possible to make the most of available up-to-date technologies and the latest information as to the potential identity or location of the copyright owner. In this way, it's intended to lessen any risk that a copyright owner may become identifiable or locatable in the time between the search being conducted and the work being used. The bill also contains assistance by providing a non-exhaustive list of matters the court may take into account in considering whether a search has been conducted in a reasonably diligent manner and within a reasonable period.”
“The bill proposes that the competent court consider whether a reasonably diligent search was conducted for the owner of the copyright material. Under this requirement, it is intended that the court would consider whether the search that was conducted was sufficiently diligent while having regard to the particular circumstances of use. Higher standards of search would, for example, be reasonably expected for types of material and uses that present a higher level of risk to the interests of rights holders, such as commercial uses, more vulnerable materials—including photographs and images—and culturally sensitive materials. Higher standards of search may also be required if the work is a foreign work and the copyright owner is likely to reside overseas.”
“It will also provide copyright owners with the potential to earn new income from their works that may have unintentionally or unknowingly become orphaned—as they should ideally be identified through the requirement for a reasonably diligent search—and protections for them in the event that they are later identified or located. In this way, the scheme is intended to be balanced, proportionate and fair to users and rights holders and deliver benefits for all. Importantly, the bill contains clarity about how it is to be determined that a reasonably diligent search has been undertaken given the background facts relevant to a work that may fall within the orphan work scheme will be different every time.”
“Protections are provided for copyright owners under this scenario in that the scheme will allow them to seek reasonable payment for past use and for negotiations to occur in the event continued use is desired. If agreement can't be reached, then a court may set reasonable terms for continued use or provide injunctive relief. The proposed orphan works scheme will provide prospective users with greater legal certainty and is intended to open up access to a larger collection of cultural, historical and educational works held by our cultural and educational institutions for the benefit of researchers, educators, students, family historians, creators and the wider Australian community.”
“Where a reasonably diligent search has been undertaken for the copyright owner within a reasonable time before use of the material and a record of the search is maintained for a reasonable period, the copyright owner cannot be identified or located to obtain permission to reutilise the work and notice is given in a clear and prominent manner that the work is being used for the purposes of the orphan works scheme, then the orphan works scheme will apply. So this is a comprehensive reform that protects the right of the orphan works owner and protects the right of the person wishing to reutilise the work. It strikes the right balance. The bill also contemplates the rare but possible scenario that the copyright owner of a work that is considered an orphan work for the purposes of the scheme does eventually come forward.”
“It's necessary to include this reference to reflect that there might be a slight technical delay in the transmission of the lesson between technology of the kind referred to in the subsection. Next—orphan works. Copyright generally requires someone to seek the permission of a copyright owner before using copyright material in a way that engages the copyright owner's rights under the act. This, plainly, cannot occur if the copyright owner cannot be identified or located. If the copyright owner cannot be identified or located in order to seek their permission to legally reutilise the work, the work is an orphan work. So the bill proposes a scheme that guides the use of these orphan works.”
“The bill also proposes a new section 28 subsection 10, which operates to clarify that, if a person is taking part in educational instruction using technology of the kind referred to in the previous subclause, for section 28 to apply, that participation must occur at the same or substantially the same time as the educational instruction is given. This means section 28 is intended to cover educational instruction given via a videoconference or live stream and is not intended to apply to a person taking part in educational instruction given via a delayed streaming of a previously recorded session. For clarity, the reference to 'the same or substantially the same time' is intended to capture instantaneous or near instantaneous participation in the educational instruction.”
“Other amendments to section 28 include a new section 28 subsection 9 to put beyond doubt that, for the purposes of that section, it does not matter whether the educational instruction which meets the other relevant requirements of that section is conducted in person or using technology that allows a person to take part in the educational instruction remotely or a combination of both. The underlying policy intention of this subclause is to put beyond doubt that section 28 covers online or hybrid class settings in the same way that it covers physical class settings, including where the teacher or other person giving instruction and some or all of the students are not physically co-located.”
“This may mean that the audience to which a performance may be given in the course of educational instruction may include a wholly or partially virtual audience in which some or all audience members are not physically co-located with the teacher or other person or student giving the performance. Section 28 currently applies in a live class context only, and the proposed amendments made by this schedule are not intended to change that position. The amendments are simply intended to clarify that section 28 applies where the educational instruction is given via a videoconference or livestream, which is incredibly important given the prevalence of online learning that has arisen in our educational institutions since the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Any ambiguity as to whether section 28 applies to online or hybrid classroom settings is removed by the proposed amendments, which are not intended to impact existing licensing arrangements that facilitate the provision of support and contribution by the creative and media sector to education. As to the mechanics required to facilitate this important measure, they are simple. In section 28, subsection 1 (a), the words 'in the presence of' will be substituted by the word 'to' in order to address the potential limitation of the current section 28, which could be read as requiring the physical presence of an audience and to ensure section 28 covers online or hybrid classes.”
“The amendments that are being proposed put to rest any suggestion that this section does not apply equally to copyright material regardless of whether the educational instruction is conducted online or in the physical classroom. The amendments also make clear that parents and other persons can assist students in these lessons and that persons other than a teacher, like a member of the local community, a parent or a guardian, can provide educational instruction under that provision without affecting how the relevant use of the material is treated under the act.”
“This section provides that, where a literary, dramatic or musical work is performed in class or otherwise in the presence of an audience and is being performed by a teacher in the course of giving educational instruction not being instruction given for profit—which does not capture a teacher earning remuneration for his or her teaching work—or by a student in the course of receiving such instruction, then the performance shall, for the purpose of the act, be deemed not to be a performance in public if the audience is limited to persons who are taking part in the instruction or are otherwise directly connected with the place where the instruction is given, like a parent or guardian of a student who is receiving instruction at that place. It covers everyone involved in the educational chain.”
“The purpose of this roundtable was for the then attorney-general to hear from participants on the outcomes of discussions that had been held to date and to discuss potential next steps on five reform issues that had been considered in detail throughout the year. Those related to a scheme for the use of orphan works, quotations from copyright material, the use of copyright material in remote learning environments, the implications of AI for copyright law and the definition of 'broadcast' for the purposes of copyright law. So the reforms we're now being offered by this bill are intended to implement what was agreed as part of the roundtable process in relation to orphan works and section 28. We start with section 28, which covers the performance and communication of works or other subject matter in the course of educational instruction.”
“The two main measures in this bill arose from a series of ministerial copyright roundtables held in 2023 which brought together stakeholders from a range of sectors to identify and discuss copyright priorities and other emerging issues, and this was done with a view to developing practical and achievable copyright reform proposals for consideration by government. On 4 December 2023, the then attorney-general, the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, chaired the fourth and final of the series of roundtables on copyright, where 44 participating organisations from a wide range of sectors with an interest in copyright attended.”
“I rise today to speak in support of the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025. Like the member for Nicholls, I, too, was in a band in high school, but I'm confident that no-one would have been trying to breach our copyright! This bill operates to amend the Copyright Act 1968 to introduce an Australian orphan works scheme; to clarify the scope of section 28, relating to the performance and communication of copyright material in the course of educational instruction; and to make other minor technical amendments.”
“She mobilises a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver over 150 food relief packages to those doing it tough and spearheaded the opening of the Pathway wellbeing centre, offering holistic care and support to clients. Her tireless advocacy and commitment shine through challenges from replacing essential food vans to navigating renovations and financial hurdles, which she does with wisdom and patience. I congratulate all nominees and winners across the electorate of Sturt and thank them for doing what they can every day to invest in our wonderful Sturt community by serving others.”
“Margaret's contribution to the community has been profound, spanning decades of dedicated service—from opening her own home to refugees to helping families find housing, work and education and empowering Afghan women and youth through community sport. Margaret's compassion has changed lives across that community. After she won, I congratulated and thanked her for her service, and she replied simply by saying that it was important to her to do what she could to help others. The City of Tea Tree Gully Council presented its Outstanding Citizen of the Year award to Noelle Wallis, who is a passionate community leader and the director of Pathway Community Centre in Modbury North.”
“Known for his work in community fundraising, resilience and animal welfare, David was recognised for his inspirational contributions to the local community. David lives with ataxia, and this has shaped his approach to life. Ataxia is a neurological condition characterised by uncoordinated muscle movements, including poor balance, unsteady gait and slurred speech, but it has not stopped David. He not only embraces life, but is dedicating his life to helping others. At the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters council Australia Day awards, the citizen of the year was the beautiful Margaret McGregor.”
“The Burnside city council's young citizen of the year was Tom Edwards, who was recognised for his longstanding service to the mighty Glenunga Rams footy club, where he has served as a committee member, secretary and president, as well as still playing in the backlines in the senior men's competition. Tom has dedicated countless hours to the club to create opportunities for players, families and volunteers. Under Tom's stewardship, the club's women's program has both skyrocketed and enjoyed success. I've met with Tom several times and can confirm that his balance of professionalism, knowledge and kindness makes him a very worthy winner. Congratulations, Tom, and go Rams. At the Unley city council, David Woods was named the 2026 citizen of the year, announced during that council's Australia Day celebrations.”
“Through the efforts of the OC Challenge, not only can newly diagnosed patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital access a psychologist but they can access a dedicated nurse and support staff who are available to patients throughout their treatment and afterwards. This free service has, so far, supported over 230 women from metropolitan and regional areas in private and public health settings. Ovarian cancer is known as a silent killer because, by the time it presents, it has spread. Outcomes are poor, and a diagnosis can be devastating. Ovarian cancer has touched my family, and it means a great deal to me to know that people like Debbie are working selflessly to support affected patients and their families. Thank you, Debbie.”
“I rise today to share stories of exceptional contributions being made by selfless and incredible people living in my electorate of Sturt. Sturt is home to seven local councils, and many of these local councils celebrated and recognised their outstanding citizens as part of their recent Australia Day awards. It was a privilege to be able to attend several of these ceremonies and to learn more about these remarkable people. The citizen of the year at the Port Adelaide Enfield city council Australia Day awards was Ms Debbie Grace. In 2007, Debbie founded the OC Challenge, which is a not-for-profit charity that supports South Australian women with ovarian cancer, raises funds, educates and raises awareness about this cruel illness.”
“My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering more urgent care clinics across the country? Why is it important for Australians to be able to access urgent care when they need it after a decade of cuts and neglect?”
“When I doorknocked them last week, they told me they had received prompt and quality care when Janet, who is in a wheelchair due to MS, suffered an injury to her ankle, requiring stitches. Or like Hermione, who wrote to me and said: … my daughter used the walk in Medicare clinic at Norwood on NYE. It was great. She got the high quality care she needed in a timely fashion without sitting around in emergency for hours. Hermione, like the more than one million visitors to urgent care clinics across Australia, understands that taking the strain off hospitals is what urgent care clinics are all about.”
“On 17 December 2025, a new Medicare urgent care clinic opened in a suburb of Norwood, in my electorate of Sturt, providing the people of Sturt with free and accessible urgent medical care. When I recently met with staff members Dr Max Adams and nurse Kirsten to ask how the clinic was going, they told me that, since opening, approximately 40 patients a day had sought and received care, and that of those 40 patients, 75 per cent would probably have had to seek treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Urgent care clinics work by taking the strain off the hospital system. They take away the stress, time and uncertainty of attending a hospital emergency room, and they mean that people who need non-life-threatening urgent care can get it. People like Janet and Peter, who live in Kensington Gardens.”
“What happened on 14 December has brought us to a precipice. Without genuine partnership, without compassion and without an unwavering commitment to tolerance and Australian values, Australia risks losing what has long defined us: our place as one of the most peaceful nations on Earth. This is the work ahead of us and it is the work we must do together in partnership. I thank the House.”
“Adam Smyth, simply out walking on the beach with his wife, was almost the same age as my husband. Matilda Bee was one year younger than my stepdaughter. The unbelievably courageous Boris Gurman was the same age as my parents. Their stories are different, but their loss brings into sharp focus a painful truth: if we fail to confront and stamp out hatred, then all of us are at risk. No family is immune to the consequences of radical extremism. No community can assume it will be untouched. I also want to add my deepest thanks to the first responders, some of whom I met today, who ran towards danger. Their courage saved lives, and their commitment to protecting our community reflects the very best of our nation. We owe them our gratitude today and every day. They are ordinary Australians who did extraordinary things.”
“It is dangerous, and silence in the face of this is dangerous. Following the attack, I spoke to both Annetay and Rabbi Frankie to offer support, and I was struck by their grace and their determination to look towards the light. Despite everything, they were looking towards the light. I will meet with each of them again next week to discuss the specific actions my community can take locally to ensure our Jewish community feels safe, supported and heard. I stand with and will work alongside Annetay, Rabbi Frankie and our Jewish community to achieve this and to walk towards the light with them. May the memory of all 15 precious lives lost be a blessing. As we reflect on these 15 treasured people, I want to acknowledge three in particular, whose ages mirror those close to me.”
“Exactly one month before the events of 14 December, I met with the President of the Jewish Community Council of South Australia, Annetay Henderson-Sapir, to get a better understanding of the antisemitism being experienced by the Jewish community in my home state of South Australia. Annetay shared the disturbing frequency of antisemitic incidents in South Australia, occurring on a weekly basis, primarily on our university campuses, but rarely being reported. Hearing this was confronting and deeply saddening because this is where it starts. Hatred rarely begins with mass violence; it begins with everyday words, actions and casual behaviours that go unchallenged and unreported and become normalised. It's not just a remark here or a comment there, or just one or two incidents in a week.”
“In those quiet moments of reflection, I looked around the cathedral and saw people of many faiths and people of no faith, sitting shoulder to shoulder in peace, grief and solidarity. Faith leaders read prayers of hope during the vigil—Buddhist, Hindu, Anglican, Catholic, Uniting Church and Jewish. It was a powerful expression of the Australia we strive to be, a country where compassion triumphs over division and where humanity matters. The Jewish prayer was led by Rabbi Frankie from the Beit Shalom synagogue in my electorate of Sturt. Rabbi Frankie spoke with clarity and grace. His message was a simple but profound reminder of what is needed now and always: partnership with the Jewish community, not just today but every day, grounded in respect, empathy and a shared commitment to reducing suffering.”
“I begin by expressing my deepest condolences to the families, friends and communities grieving the unimaginable loss caused by the Bondi terror attack. Our nation is still shaken by the events that unfolded at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December 2025. The grief felt across Australia is immense. Fifteen precious lives were taken in an act of hatred and evil. Like so many Australians, I've been struggling to comprehend the scale of this tragedy and the pain it has caused across communities. Like many people, I don't recall being as sad or as deeply sorry in my adult life. On 18 December 2025 I attended an interfaith vigil at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide, called 'Hope in the light'.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering for Australians, including helping them to earn more and keep more of what they earn? How does this compare with other approaches?”
“It will enable veterans and families to get the support that they need and that they deserve when they need it. It is also a sign of this government's deep respect for the service, commitment and sacrifice that the veterans give to Australia. I share that deep respect, and I say to my friends at the Payneham RSL and the Kensington Park RSL: thank you for your service and for continuing to share your stories. I stand with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Minister for Defence Personnel as he undertakes this important reform work. I commend the bill to the House.”
“The third amendment is to confirm that all claims for funeral compensation should be determined according to the act under which they are lodged, which will ensure consistency with the date of claim approach, as intended under the improved MRCA. The fourth amendment is to clarify the review pathway for claimants who have DRCA original determinations made before 21 April 2025. The single review pathway commenced on that date, and, currently, there is some ambiguity about the rights of appeal for these claimants. These amendments together will clarify and make minor adjustments to the veterans legislation to align with the government's original policy intention to simplify and harmonise the veteran compensation system. This will mark the most significant reform to how we support veterans in a century.”
“Under the current arrangements, veteran entitlements are provided for under three separate compensation acts and eligibility under one of those acts depends on when the veteran served and which period of service caused or contributed to the condition being claimed. The simplification act modifies these arrangements by providing that, from 1 July 2026, all claims for compensation and rehabilitation will be determined under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. It does this through four mechanisms. The first is to provide the MRCC with appropriate powers to make instruments in the pre-commencement period, before 1 July 2026. The second amendment preserves certain treatment related instruments made under the VEA as though they have effect under the MRCA.”
“We'll also remove ambiguity in the legislation for veterans and families seeking review of a DVA decision and clarify the interpretation of eligibility for important funeral benefits to ensure claims for funeral compensation are determined according to the act under which they are lodged and the correct entitlements are available as quickly as possible. The bill also strengthens the review rights for decisions made under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988. This bill will clarify and make minor adjustments to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (Defence-related Claims) Act and the simplification act to complement the government's original policy intention for veterans rehabilitation and compensation legislative reform.”
“The bill proposes a number of minor technical amendments to the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms and transition from the previous complicated arrangements, which were comprised of three acts, into just a single act. The bill operates to clarify the powers of the existing Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and Repatriation Commission as they transition to a single repatriation commission.”
“The complexity and frustration of the veterans entitlement system was found, in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide interim report, to be a contributing factor to suicidality amongst our veteran community, so, from the middle of 2026, all veteran claims will be assessed for compensation and rehabilitation under one single piece of legislation that will be simpler to use and faster to process—the new and improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. This reframes and resets how we support veterans and means the government will be able to better provide the services and supports the veteran community needs more quickly and when the services are needed.”
“I encourage all employers out there to do what I did and consider employing a veteran. Exceptional leadership and de-escalation and judgement skills are on offer. Please consider it. For those who need it, though, this bill continues the Albanese Labor government's commitment to implementing a better and simpler veterans entitlement system so that veterans and families can access the support that they need and deserve faster.”
“Many of those stories live on in postservice lives, and veterans deserve meaningful postservice lives in which they are cared for and supported. I take a moment in discussing postservice life to reflect on and echo the remarks made by the member for Gippsland, who spoke before me and who rightly noted that many people who serve in our defence forces give their service to our country and then go on to make incredible contributions to our community. I have a former Air Force intelligence officer working in my electorate office. She is my right-hand woman and one of the most competent and capable people I have ever worked with. She has an exceptional blend of military and civilian skills. Thank you, Emerald. You are such an asset to me and my team, and I'm so glad you're in my corner.”
“In recognition of the fact that our Australian values and way of life are worth fighting for, he asked, 'In the event of an armed conflict affecting Australia, would young Australians rush to sign up to serve?' He spoke of the urgent need to create an environment where the answer to his question would always be yes. On Vietnam Veterans' Remembrance Day in August this year, I also attended an equally moving ceremony at the Payneham RSL lead ably by the president, Mark Lawson-Kent; the vice president, Bert Pac; and the secretary, Liam Ibbetson, to mark the courage and sacrifice Australians made in that conflict. The ceremony was remarkable for two reasons: its beautiful simplicity and its telling of the stories of those who served and explanation of history.”
“I also heard the stories and reflected on the courage and sacrifice of our Australian Defence Force personnel past and present at my local Payneham RSL and also at the Kensington Park RSL. At Payneham, the service was hosted by Mr Jordan Box and his beautiful OPK9 dog Sally, who is about to retire. Thank you, Sally. I also attended the dawn service on Anzac Day this year at the Kensington RSL where, under the leadership of sub-branch president Mr Peter Lloyd, a moving and reflecting ceremony was held. At the ceremony and in his remembrance address, retired brigadier Ellis Wayland AM made striking remarks about the need for more investment, more encouragement and more support for young people to join the Australian Defence Force.”
“All of MESHA's trainers are current or former military and/or emergency services personnel, trained in group facilitation, trained in trauma informed care, and trained in establishing and maintaining boundaries and have also undergone program-specific modularised training and have been a participant in the program that they are delivering. MESHA, thank you for the work that you are doing not only to support veterans but to raise awareness of the challenges and complexities of postservice life. This you did beautifully at the MESHA Remembrance Day breakfast in Adelaide on 11 November this year. These stories are important. On 11 November 2025, Remembrance Day, I also had the honour of joining MESHA at the breakfast in Adelaide to hear more stories.”
“In South Australia, MESHA is based in my electorate of Sturt. MESHA conducts co-designed and impact driven research in priority areas of unmet need and seeks to embed lived experience in the design and delivery of its training and programs to ensure that authentic and sustainable outcomes for service communities are achieved. MESHA's programs are facilitated by trainers with lived experience and a service background so that the training programs can be delivered with authenticity, credibility and genuine connection with participants.”
“Through its recommendations, the royal commission also sought to address the stresses that service and postservice life place on Defence families, to prevent physical and mental injuries within the ADF, to encourage members to seek help early, to prioritise recovery when an injury does happen, to reduce the risk of burnout, to make veterans' entitlements fair and equitable regardless of how a member's military service is classified and to make compensation-claim processing efficient and transparent. One such organisation that is working hard towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of current and former Australian military members, as well as the emergency services personnel and their families, is Military and Emergency Services Health Australia, or MESHA, which is a not-for-profit research training and program centre.”
“Further recommendations from the royal commission included: the development of a doctrine on people, capability and service for the ADF to make clear that Australia's military capability and operational readiness depend on a physically and mentally healthy workforce; public reporting on ADF culture, health and wellbeing, and incorporating member's health and wellbeing in senior-level performance appraisals, as well as ensuring promotion selection processes reward leaders who have a positive impact on wellbeing and culture; to strengthen defence and Department of Veterans' Affairs research, data collection and analysis, and data sharing, to enhance their ability to identify, understand and monitor the impact of risk and protective factors for suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members; and to provide ongoing funding to veterans and families hubs to develop a national funding agreement on veteran wellbeing.”
“According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, at least 1,677 serving and ex-serving ADF members died by suicide between 1997 and 2021. That's more than 20 times the number of defence personnel killed in active duty over the same period. But the royal commission estimates the true number of preventable deaths to be upwards of 3,000. This is a crisis, and the gravity of the crisis cannot be underestimated.”