On 25 March 2015 the Senate referred the following matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 19 February 2016.  On 2 February 2016 the Senate agreed to extend the reporting date to 29 February 2016. On 29 February 2016, the Senate extended the reporting date for the inquiry to 15 March 2016.

The mental health of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who have returned from combat, peacekeeping or other deployment.

Submissions to this inquiry close on 26 June 2015.

In terms of setting expectations, the committee emphasises that it is not in a position to address individual cases of mental ill-health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among ADF personnel who have returned from combat, peacekeeping or other overseas deployment. 

As the terms of reference of the inquiry indicate, the committee's focus is on the mental health support, evaluation and counselling services provided by Defence and DVA, and the identification and disclosure policies of the ADF in relation to mental ill-health and PTSD. 

Please note that all documents sent to the inquiry become committee documents on receipt, and are only made public following a decision of the committee. Material which is not relevant to the inquiry’s terms of reference or which reflects adversely on others may not be accepted or published by the committee. If you have any questions about your submission please contact the committee secretariat.