Royal Commission hearing in Wagga Wagga in 2022 welcomed

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed an announcement the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will hold a public hearing in Wagga Wagga next year.

Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission, Kevin Connor SC, said on the opening day of the inquiry in Brisbane that public hearings would be held in key military towns, including Wagga Wagga and Townsville.

The Army Recruit Training Centre is located within Blamey Barracks at Kapooka, on Wagga Wagga’s southern outskirts. Blamey Barracks is known as the Home of the Soldier as all Australian soldiers undertake recruit training there.

“It is entirely appropriate the Royal Commission hold a public hearing in Wagga Wagga not just because it is a significant military centre, but also because so many veterans have chosen to make the city their home after leaving the Australian Defence Force,” Mr McCormack said.

“As well, Wagga Wagga is the only inland regional tri-service city in Australia – it has RAAF Base Wagga at Forest Hill, which also delivers training for the Royal Australian Navy.

“I have met with and listened to Veterans for many years, not just in my role of the Member for Riverina, but also having served them as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.

“I have heard their stories.

“For many Veterans, serving in the Australian Defence Force has been rewarding and they have had no issues after entering civilian life, but I know that is not always the case.

“I encourage anyone who has a story to tell the Commission, or a suggestion on how to prevent self harm among our Defence personnel and Veterans, to reach out and lodge a submission.”

Mr McCormack welcomed news of the Wagga Wagga hearing in a speech to Federal Parliament today.

Submissions will be accepted until Friday, 14 October 2022, and can be lodged through the Royal Commission’s website: https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au

A date for the Wagga Wagga hearing has not yet been set.
If you, or someone you know, need support, you can contact:    

  • Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14   

  • Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467             

  • Open Arms (current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families can seek this free and confidential support) – 1800 011 046   

  • ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (for current serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 628 036.

  • Safe Zone Support (for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families) – 1800 142 072. When you call Safe Zone Support, you do not need to identify yourself.

Shane Manning