Australia’s federal government has announced an expanded response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, two years after the commission delivered its final report.

In a statement released on September 9, Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the government had updated its position on 15 recommendations. The government now says it has agreed or agreed in principle to 113 of the commission’s 122 recommendations, while eight recommendations remain noted for further consideration.

The Royal Commission presented its final report to the Governor-General on September 9, 2024. The seven-volume report examined systemic and cultural issues affecting serving and former Australian Defence Force personnel and included 122 recommendations designed to support long-term reform.

The government had initially accepted or agreed in principle to 104 recommendations in its December 2024 response. Since then, officials say further examination of the recommendations has identified additional areas where the government can strengthen its approach.

The latest update is focused on continuing reforms intended to improve support for serving personnel, veterans and their families. The government has described its response as an ongoing process rather than a one-time commitment.

Earlier government measures have included additional funding for implementation of the commission’s recommendations, development of stronger oversight arrangements and reforms involving Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The commission’s original recommendations covered a broad range of issues, including suicide-prevention programs, crisis-response procedures, organisational culture, data, research and independent oversight. One recommendation called for a new statutory body to provide independent oversight of reforms across the Defence ecosystem.

The Australian government said it would continue progressing the remaining recommendations and wider systemic reforms. The objective is to establish lasting changes that improve wellbeing and support for people who serve, as well as those who have left the Australian Defence Force.

The announcement therefore marks another stage in Australia’s long-running effort to implement the Royal Commission’s findings and address problems identified across the country’s Defence and veteran support systems.