Michael Albrecht, an Army veteran, struggles every day as he adjusts to life in America after the military. His struggles are sadly not unique — many former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are in the same situation. This issue has received further spotlight after the much publicised recent Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides. In September 2024, that Commission issued its final report. It looked specifically at the sobering and growing trend of suicides by current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
The report draws attention to the “unacceptably high” number of suicide deaths. This realization highlights the extreme need for long-term, accessible mental health support and proper, successful intervention methods. It includes 122 recommendations that aim to prevent harm and improve support for veterans. These recommendations are designed to strengthen early intervention, support recovery, and improve access to critical support services.
Now, Albrecht joined the Medilinks team, a nonprofit that guides veterans through the mental health compensation process. He knows how complicated it is to make these transitions. He points out that although most veterans think they are getting good care, the truth is often just the opposite.
“I think there may be an assumption that we are looked after because that would be common sense,” – he
These conclusions resonate deeply with Albrecht, who often calls himself a “recovering planner.” He explains that veterans often don’t find out about the resources accessible to them until after the window has closed. He points out that “friends and family will know… but we don’t,” highlighting a critical gap in awareness and communication.
The timing of the report’s release could not be better as the government has just announced their largest financial commitment ever to improve services for veterans. The 2024-25 budget provision is $6.5 billion more, to be spent on income guarantee and compensation over five years. This funding is critical not just to pay the backlog of 40,000 assigned claims. The Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025, or VETS Act for short, would fix that. Passed by parliament on February 13, 2025, the VETS Act seeks to make it easier for veterans to get the support they need.
Despite the spirit of rugged individualism that runs deep in our culture, Albrecht does not discount the dangers of veterans potentially alienating themselves from these communities. He notes, “Once someone’s been in the defence force for a long time… they might go and work in remote areas or just become isolated.” This isolation can exacerbate mental health challenges, making it vital for veterans to remain connected with available resources and support.
The report uplifts their work alongside organizations like Open Arms. To complement face-to-face support, they provide free and confidential telephone counseling 24/7 for current and former members of the ADF and their families. Support for veterans is available through Open Arms, call 1800 011 046. Soldier On delivers holistic national support services to Defence personnel and contemporary veterans. You can contact them during normal business hours at 1300 620 380.
For immediate support, contact Lifeline which provides 24/7 crisis support 13 11 14. Further, if you or someone you know is in crisis, our Suicide Call Back Service is reachable at 1300 659 467. These resources are often crucial lifelines for veterans dealing with mental health crises.
For Albrecht and other service members like him, the transition to life after military service can create a perfect storm of challenges. He articulates the struggle many face in processing their experiences: “For me, the part that really took its toll was the psychological part. It took me a long time to process it,” – Paul Warren, another veteran who has experienced similar difficulties.
Warren candidly discusses the stigma of strength expected of veterans, which stops them from asking for help. “You think you’re an alpha male and you’re sort of immune to these things,” he explains. This survivor’s guilt mentality doesn’t allow veterans to see their struggle. At the same time, they witness a heartbreaking increase in suicides within their community.
Albrecht advises veterans to just stay open with family members and keep growing and learning. Don’t be defensive when someone expresses concern about your mental health. He states, “So I’d certainly encourage veterans to listen to that feedback. You might think you’re doing fine, but there could actually be a little bit more going on.”
The Royal Commission’s findings serve as a call to action for both government officials and community members to prioritize veteran mental health. ADF members dying at their own hands at this rate is a national tragedy that requires urgent sustained attention and action.
As we have these important conversations about veteran welfare, we must honor those who sacrificed everything. Warren poignantly captures this sentiment: “It’s about our mates and the traditions and people that have given everything to fight for this country, that’s what it’s about.”
