This episode focuses on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, exploring the inquiry's process, key challenges and the recommendations aimed at addressing the systemic issues contributing to veteran suicides. 

Dr Andrew Khoo and Dr Jon Lane interview Dr Peggy Brown AO, one of the Commissioners, who shares insights into the inquiry process, including the challenges of political navigation, the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement and the complexities of veteran health. 

The discussion also examines the issues uncovered by the Commission, the significance of the interim report and the challenges in data collection. It also highlights the need for a robust veteran services commission to ensure ongoing advocacy and support for those who have served. 

Dr Andrew Khoo is the Director of Medical Services at Toowong Private Hospital and is the Deputy Chair of the College's Military, Veterans' and Emergency Services Personnel Mental Health Network. He is also the Chair of the Open Arms National Advisory Committee and a member of the DVA Mental Health Expert Advisory Group. 

A/Prof Jon Lane, FRANZCP, MBBS (Hons), PhD, has been in the Army since 1989 and is also an Afghanistan veteran. He is a clinician in private practice, as well as holding several different roles. These include being the inaugural Chief Psychiatrist for the DVA; the Psychiatry Lead for the University of Tasmania School of Medicine; and has adjunct appointments and research projects with the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation. He is also the current Chair of the College's Military, Veterans' and Emergency Services Personnel Mental Health Network. 

Dr Peggy Brown AO is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Medilinks and holds several other key leadership positions. These include Chair of Mental Health Australia, Board Director at Wellways Australia, Chair of the RANZCP Community Collaboration Committee, Member of the Clinical Governance Advisory Committee for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and Patron of the BPD Foundation. 

She has also served as a Commissioner for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Senior Clinical Advisor at the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Mental Health Commission. She has also held the positions of Director-General of ACT Health and Chief Psychiatrist/Director of Mental Health in Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. She is also an NHS International Fellow in the United Kingdom. 

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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.