The Wire

The truth about the extent of mental health problems and suicide among Australia’s returning soldiers may be soon be revealed – following the announcement of a new government inquiry. Defence Personnel Minister Warren Snowden says some ex-military officers are “falling through the cracks” – and has ordered a review of mental health support services. Since 2006 The Defence Force has held eight boards of inquiry into suspected suicides but has kept the findings secret. 48 suspected suicides have been reported by the ADF between 2001 and 2007 – but the actual figure might be much higher due to the inconsistencies of record keeping. Some reports suggest 1 in 10 soldiers suffer serious psychological problems – post deployment.