Royal commission into veteran suicide backed by Tamworth RSL sub-branch and New England MP Barnaby Joyce

New England MP Barnaby Joyce and Tamworth RSL sub-branch vice-president David Howells have revealed they are relieved Prime Minister Scott Morrison is no longer standing in the way of the push.

A motion demanding the establishment of a royal commission was passed in the House of Representatives last month, after Mr Morrison finally bowed to mounting pressure.

Mr Joyce claims he was one of the people applying pressure, and said the issue is something he has been concerned about for a long time.

"I said I would support the quest for a royal commission after discussions with returned service men and women, and the path that we have negotiated allows precisely that," he stated.

It was a conversation with retired special forces commander Heston Russell that truly sparked the Nationals member's interest, after he was told up to 700 former servicemen and women had committed suicide in recent years.

As for Mr Howells, the topic hits a little closer to home having served in Malaysia during the 1980s, and been involved in an accident which ended his military career.

He understands the mental health issues former service personnel can go through, and is pleased to finally see some serious action being taken.

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"It's good that it's come to this now that we've got a royal commission, and we're hoping that it helps to reduce the number of suicides and issues among veterans," he said.

Mr Howells revealed the local sub-branch is often required to help veterans with their mental health, as it is one of the most common struggles faced by them after returning.

He also believes last year's establishment of a National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention will help keep the problem at the forefront of politicians' minds.

"To have on top of [the royal commission] the national commissioner which will be a permanent position to ensure these changes are made and not just swept under the carpet is excellent," he said.

Mr Joyce was happy to see Mr Morrison finally accept the urgency of the matter, and emphasised the fact that only the prime minister had the ability to take such significant action.

"You can't vote for a royal commission or stop it, only the prime minister can do that, so these are all making points to pressure the prime minister to do that," he said.

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