The mother of a navy veteran who took his own life five years ago has begged families not to allow their loved ones to enlist in the Australian Defence Forces.
Julie-Ann Finney joined Nat Barr on Sunrise on Tuesday, speaking about the federal government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mother’s message after government responds to royal commission.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
The commission found 1677 serving and former serving Defence personnel had died by suicide between 1997 and 2021 — more than 20 times the number killed in active duty over the same period.
Of the commission’s 122 recommendations, the government agreed, or gave in-principal agreement, to 104 recommendations, and noted 17 recommendations for further consideration.
Finney’s son, Petty Officer David Finney, spent 20 years in the navy, receiving a bravery commendation for his service.
But Finney said the death of his infant son and traumatic workplace situations took a toll on David’s mental health.
He first attempted suicide in 2016 then, when he made another attempt on his life in 2017 he was medically discharged — a development Finney said was “soul destroying” for her son.
David Finney took his own life two years later, in 2019.
On Tuesday, Barr asked his mother what she would say to other families whose loved ones were “considering joining the ADF”.
“At this point, I am going to say please don’t enlist,” Finney said.
“The outcome can be your death, the death of your child or even your grandchild. I don’t think people realise how we are treating members in defence. It is just not good.
“If they’re broken, they are discarded and thrown to institutions like DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) and the RSL.
“I am not there yet with my trust. Do not enlist.
“Do not let your children enlist but if you serve or have served, I am still incredibly grateful to you. You are my heroes, but you don’t deserve the outcome that my son and (thousands of) others have had.”
Barr then asked whether Finney believed the royal commission would change things.
“I do believe that having an independent body that is completely separate from those institutions, Defence, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and (the) RSL … have been marking their own homework for so long,” she said.
“If the recommendations are taken up, as they say they will be, and I’m grateful to the government for that … (that) will be the best thing that can happen.”
After the report was delivered, Finney said she needed to see more detail.
“It was much more than I expected. I haven’t looked at all the detail yet. I think many people haven’t … We definitely want to see the detail,” she said.
“It was much more than I expected. I am thinking it was probably a lot more than a lot of people expected. We will just see what happens from here.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
Open Arms 1800 011 046