Today the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has been told of month-long wait times for access to mental health professionals and fears that presenting with mental health issues will hinder careers.
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide hearings in Townsville have entered a second week, with the focus on the culture, wellbeing and mental health services at Australia's largest Army base, Lavarack Barracks, which is home to more than 3,000 people.A high-ranking soldier tells the royal commission incidents of bulling and sexual assault are "isolated"
"As a junior soldier in the 1980s, culture in the army was fairly tough and it was fairly rough," North Queensland Transfer and Transition Detachment Commander Major Tony Kennedy said. "There are up to 52 incidents recorded in [the defence incident management system]," Warrant Officer Buskell said. "For the soldier who has been charged … they are required to use an on-call reserve legal system," Warrant Officer Buskell said.
"When I talk to soldiers, that's a common discussion we have — how long it takes them to see a doctor," Warrant Officer Buskell said. "It has a negative impact, and they feel it is not fair."