Hearing from serving and ex-serving Defence members with lived experience of suicide behaviour or risk factors (including attempted or contemplated suicide, feelings of suicide or poor mental health outcomes) will greatly assist the work of the Royal Commission. As will the stories of family members, friends and loved ones of serving and ex-serving Defence members who have died by suicide, or experience suicide behaviour or risk factors.
A private session is a confidential meeting with one or more of the Commissioners where you tell them about your personal experience. You decide what you say and what you do not want to share. Private sessions can happen by telephone, video link or in person.
While there is a requirement for participants to apply for a private session by Friday 28 April 2023, the Royal Commission will continue to hold private sessions until at least the end of December 2023.
You may request a private session and also choose to make a submission.
The online request form is designed to collect information about you and the reason you have requested a private session, as well as some information about the story you wish to share. This helps the Royal Commission consider your request.
The stories shared in private sessions need to be relevant to the work of the Royal Commission and consistent with the areas of inquiry set out in the Royal Commission's terms of reference. The terms of reference for the Royal Commission are included in the Letters Patent.
Before you request a private session, please note that the Commission cannot resolve individual disputes. It cannot fix or award compensation or make orders requiring a party to a dispute to take or not take any action.
If you prefer to use a paper form, the Royal Commission would still like to hear from you. You can download a printable version [PDF], print it out, fill it in, and mail it to: GPO Box 3273, Sydney NSW 2001.
If you are unable to print the form, you can ring the Royal Commission on 1800 329 095 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm AEST Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) and we will post a form to you.
The information you share in a private session will be kept confidential within the Commission. Nothing you say to the Commissioners in that session will be made public in a way that identifies you. You will not be named in any of the Royal Commission reports or papers.
The session is an opportunity for you to talk to the Commissioner about your experiences to inform the Commissioner of issues relevant to the work of the Commission.
If you would like more information on private sessions please visit the Royal Commission website.
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