Veterans royal commission gets green light

ROYAL COMMISSION INTO VETERAN SUICIDES

Scott Morrison has announced a royal commission into veteran suicides

* Draft terms of reference released on Monday, open for public comment for four weeks

* The prime minister expects the inquiry to be established by July and run for several years

* It will examine all aspects of service in the Australian Defence Force and the experience of those transitioning from active service

* The inquiry will look at the availability and quality of health and support services; pre-service and post-service issues for members and veterans; family breakdown; housing and employment issues

* Support for the inquiry will be needed from state and territory governments

* Private sessions will be available for witnesses

* Inquiry will have full range of compulsory powers, including the ability to compel witnesses

* Laws before the federal parliament will be amended to ensure the inquiry is linked to a permanent national commission.

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