Shining a Light features deeply personal stories of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and their loved ones, with lived experience of suicide and suicidal behaviour in a military context – as shared in some of the 5,889 formal submissions received by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The landmark inquiry has examined all aspects of military life to identify cultural and systemic issues contributing to high rates of suicide and suicidality among Australia’s Defence and veteran population and lived experience was been at its heart.
“This Royal Commission would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of those people with lived experience of military suicide who have shown tremendous strength and courage to come forward and share their insights with us,” Commissioner Peggy Brown said.
“Their stories have often been confronting but absolutely necessary for us to hear because they have shone a bright light in dark places – allowing us to focus our inquiries on the complex cultural and systemic issues which are failing past and present service personnel, and their families, while also recognising their recovery and resilience.”
The book canvasses topics like recruitment and training, service experience, leadership and its impact, mental health, families, the transition to civilian life, and dealing with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The book’s author, Patrick Lindsay, journalist, filmmaker and military historian, has written extensively about Australia’s involvement in armed conflicts, as well as the experience of modern veterans and their transition to civilian life. He said he was honoured to be part of the Royal Commission’s work.
“Uncovering the many complex issues contributing to Defence and veteran suicide has been a mammoth task for this Royal Commission,” Mr Lindsay said. “The deeply personal stories contained in the book illustrate the complexity and scale of the national crisis this Royal Commission is seeking to address once and for all.
“I’m honoured to have been asked to contribute to this important work through this very special book, which I hope will open Australia’s eyes to the significant challenges confronting serving and ex-serving ADF members on a daily basis.”
Commissioner Brown said the book also serves as a reminder of the unique sacrifice not only of those who serve in our Navy, Army and Air Force but also of their families.
“It was appropriate to recognise and pay tribute to their stories through this special publication which we hope will be the catalyst for a greater understanding of the sacrifices made by those who defend our country – and their loved ones – and for real and lasting change.”