This article contains references to suicide and sexual violence.
The federal government has agreed to set up an independent inquiry into sexual violence in the Australian military, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared "we need to do better".
The government on Monday released its response to agreeing to the majority of the 122 recommendations made.
A total of 104 were agreed to or accepted in principle, and 17 were noted for further consideration.
Albanese said the nation had "lost too many lives, and every single one is heartbreaking".
"Today, I want to acknowledge every family and friend grieving the loss of a loved one," he said.
"Today’s response to the final report of the royal commission is a historic opportunity to deliver lasting reform and support our Defence personnel, veterans and their families."
The government rejected only one recommendation — removing the "service differential" for permanent impairment compensation.
Labor does not support changing the rule that gives higher levels of compensation for injuries or illnesses incurred during operations, as opposed to those sustained in training.
The issue of service in war-like conditions remains controversial within the veteran community, with some wanting to keep the different standards in place.
A new statutory body overseeing the reform of Defence and veterans' affairs will be set up immediately, with an interim head to be appointed as soon as possible, before the body is legislated by September next year.
Government agrees to inquiry into sexual violence
The royal commission found sexual misconduct remained a systemic issue for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the government agreeing to a future standalone inquiry into the issue.
The government is working through the detail, with no set date for the start of the inquiry.
A new "presumption" of discharge will be introduced for troops convicted of sexual offences, including harassment or intimate image abuse, regardless of whether the conviction is under the military justice system or civilian courts.
But they will be able to argue why they shouldn't be kicked out of the military, and still possibly remain in the ADF.
Asked about the scale of sexual violence in the military, Albanese said: "quite clearly we need to do better".
"We now have a clear direction being made as a result of the recommendations of the royal commission, but also of the government's response."
The inquiry found defence force personnel convicted of sexual crimes under the military justice system remained in service, and when members were convicted of offences, those offences weren't transferred to civilian records.
The government agreed victim-survivors should not be made to work with their perpetrators over the course of their careers.
Anonymised sexual misconduct data should be published each year of all incidents and outcomes, the response reads.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said any death by suicide for serving personnel or veterans was a "national tragedy".
He said implementing the royal commission's recommendations is "not a simple task, but it is essential".
"[It] is our plan for systemic and enduring reform to make sure we are supporting our Defence and veteran communities."
'I thank them for their fight'
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie welcomed the government's quick response to the royal commission.
"Veterans, their families and fought for years for justice and I thank them for their fight," she said.
Finney’s son David took his own life in 2019 after a two-decade career with the Royal Australian Navy.
She fought for a royal commission on his behalf and for hundreds of other Australian veterans who have died by suicide.
Lambie, who also advocated for a royal commission, said it was essential the statutory body be independent and provide "frank and fearless" advice to the government.
RSL [Returned & Services League of] Australia national president Greg Melick said the implementation of the recommendations would best be achieved by an independent and enduring body.
"The RSL is indebted to every individual who shared their story and stands ready to work with the government to play its part in bringing about meaningful change," he said.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14 and Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
ADF members and their families can call the Defence all-hours Support Line, a confidential telephone and online service, on 1800 628 036.
Open Arms provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families on 1800 011 046.
Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families can also contact national support services provider Soldier On during office hours 1300 620 380.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
