AMA President Professor Steve Robson, a former medical officer of the Royal Australian Navy, who served in the first Gulf War, has called for the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to be adopted.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson wrote this in an opinion article this week for the Canberra Times and other newspapers, to coincide with the release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
"At a time when Australia is likely to need our service personnel more than ever, and when it is more and more difficult to recruit and retain them, we must pull out all the stops to support them, not only while they serve, but in the years afterwards," Professor Robson said.
"As a former serving doctor in the ADF, and with family members I know were severely affected by their experiences in military service, I support Commissioner (Nick) Kaldas' comments strongly. In my own practice I treat serving members and veterans and I like to think I have their back.
"Our generals and admirals cannot be allowed to continue business as usual and expect any improvement.
"We must listen to their findings and act on their recommendations."
The final report of the Royal Commission is available here
Defence Minister Richard Marles welcomed the report and thanked the commissioners for a thorough and compassionate inquiry saying the government would work through the recommendations and provide a formal response.
