On 1 September 2016 the Senate referred the following matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 March 2017:
Suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel.
On 27 March 2017 the Senate agreed to extend the reporting date to 20 June 2017. On 19 June 2017, the Senate agreed to extend the reporting date to 15 August 2017.
While the committee requested that submissions to the inquiry be received by 7 October 2016, it will continue to consider and accept submissions after this date. As a large number of submissions have been received for this inquiry, including many of a sensitive and personal nature, there may be a delay between a submission being provided and it being considered and approved for publication by the committee. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
You can ask the committee to keep your submission confidential. Include the word confidential clearly on the front of your submission. Confidential submissions are only read by members of the committee and the secretariat.
In terms of setting expectations, the committee emphasises that it is not in a position to address individual claims of rehabilitation or compensation for veterans and ex-service personnel. The committee's focus is on the broad issues raised in the terms of reference of the inquiry.
The committee recognises that this inquiry will deal with matters which could be distressing for some persons. Persons interested in the inquiry who are seeking support or information about suicide prevention are able to contact a number of organisations including: