The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down their final report on 9 September, with a total of 122 recommendations for reform across key issues related to military service, including Defence culture and leadership, the negative impacts of unacceptable behaviour, supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families, and transitioning from military to civilian life.
GMR has supported the Royal Commission throughout the process, including our researchers giving evidence on research findings as they relate to the impact of military service on families, and the challenges that families and service providers face when navigating military and civilian systems of care.
In addition, GMR was engaged by the Royal Commission to undertake an evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of the Transition Training Program Pilot (TTPP). Informed by over 5 years of research, this pilot program is the first of its type in Australia designed specifically to support the adjustment and reintegration of Australian Defence Force members transitioning from military to civilian life.
“As an organisation dedicated to advancing medical research and finding tangible solutions to the complex health challenges faced by our veteran community, we acknowledge the gravity of the 122 recommendations put forth by the Royal Commission,” GMR CEO, Miriam Kent, says.
“We affirm our unwavering support for initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health services, suicide prevention strategies, and holistic support mechanisms for defence personnel, veterans, and their families.”
GMR’s Research Lead – Military Families, Associate Professor Miranda Van Hooff, was on the Lived Experience and Research Advisory Committee for the Royal Commission and has followed the proceedings and findings closely.
“The research and planning that we’re already doing is consistent with a number of the Royal Commission’s recommendations,” Assoc Prof Van Hooff says.
“GMR’s veteran-focussed research projects broadly cover four key areas, including mental health and wellbeing, military to civilian transition, physical health, and families, all of which align closely to areas of need identified in the Royal Commission Report.”
Specifically, GMR researchers have studied and published findings of research on:
- Experiences of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for Trauma Related Sleep Disturbances
- Effective treatment for sleep disturbances in veterans
- The link between PTSD, gut health concerns and medical investigations
- The positive impact that Compassionate Mind Training may have on veterans with PTSD
- Veteran employment research, exploring the transition from military service to civilian life
- Integrated care for veteran families
- Chronic PTSD and changes in brain structure
- Risks of prescribing multiple medications for veterans with PTSD
“We’re continuing to explore these and other areas, including female veteran health and health literacy among veterans and their families, with current and future research projects as part of our Veteran Health Initiative,” Assoc Prof Van Hooff says.
The Royal Commission identified the need for improved early intervention and prevention of mental health problems among current and ex-serving Defence members through evidence-based prevention programs.
In partnership with RSL Queensland, GRM developed Go Beyond, M-CARM and MT-READY, which are evidence-based tools that will have a real and lasting impact on improving the health and wellbeing of the veteran community.
Recognising the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving meaningful outcomes in the realm of defence and veterans’ health, GMR is committed to continuing to work closely with government agencies, the Departments of Defence and Veterans Affairs, ex-service and veteran support organisations, mental health professionals, and other research institutes to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
“Our focus is on creating evidence-based real-world solutions to the health and wellbeing needs of veterans and their families which are informed by the Defence community, and which effectively empower veterans and their families to live their best happy and healthy lives,” Assoc Prof Van Hooff says.
“GMR is currently developing our five-year research plan and continuing to widen our network of national and international collaborations, and we look forward to working with the Royal Commission’s recommendations in mind to continue to support veteran health through research.”
Having focused on veteran health research since our inception in 2005, we launched the PTSD Initiative in 2013 to our understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder in the veteran community through research. Our research broadened again to encompass the research areas of Transition and Reintegration, The Military Family Research Initiative, The Healthy Veteran Research Initiative and Research Translation and Education under the GMR Veteran Health Initiative.
Find out more about our Veteran Health Initiative or review our publications