Interim report for Royal Commission a wake-up call

11th August 2022

Senator Jacqui Lambie welcomes the interim report for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide handed down today.

“This is just the beginning of the journey. We still have a long way to go. But this is an important first step to fixing some of the issues facing our veterans.

“I want to see all the recommendations implemented quickly by the Government. They’ve given a March 2024 date to deal with the backlog of claims. Surely we can get onto it quicker than that. Most veterans can’t wait until 2024 to have their claims dealt with. This should be a top priority for the new Government.”

Senator Lambie particularly wants to see the exemptions to parliamentary privilege changed.

“I have no problem with a change to exemptions of parliamentary privilege for this Royal Commission and future Royal Commissions. They need to be able to question Ministers as part of their investigation.

“The way I see it, the Labor Party has to decide: are they on the side of protecting veterans or the side of protecting politicians?”

She also reminds veterans of the importance of coming forward to the Royal Commission.

"This is our one shot. If you don't want to come forward for yourself, do it for your mates. Do it for those who can't. It's now or never."