Australia to hold inquiry into military suicides

Morrison last year said his government would appoint a permanent national commissioner to investigate suicides among current and former military personnel amid rising public anger over the issue.

The scheme, however, was marred by delays - prompting a bipartisan support from Australia's Senate for the Royal Commission earlier this year. Tweaking his plans, Morrison said Australia will now hold a Royal Commission to examine any systemic issues among suicides by veterans, while the permanent national commissioner will be tasked with ensuring the recommendations are enforced.

Morrison last week said Australia will withdraw its remaining 80 military personnel in Afghanistan after the United States announced it would pull out from the country to end its longest war. The deployment to Afghanistan is part of more than 3,000 Australian troops deployed around the world.