I warned the previous Minister, our boys' suicides in ADF

Our son's suicide has been too difficult to put into words. Yet even after 7.30 revealed at least 5 other boys died at HMAS Sterling too – the government's response has been little more than disinterest. They've set up an internal review (again!). But they haven't even bothered to contact families. And seemed to dismiss outright the suggestion to ensure next-of-kin are even notified if serious self-harming is happening on ADF bases. The last week has been hard. Seeing our son's story on all over the national and international news was strangely haunting, as it was like they were back with us again and that 75,000 of you have kept us going. I'm worried that this 'review' will be yet another one that the ADF will bury that tiny request by delaying any reply, and these suicides will continue, in silence. Please can you help me. I'm asking the Minister for a meeting to present our petition for next-of-kin to be notified if their loved ones in the ADF attempt suicide – and for him to ensure parents of boys who died of suicide are included in the review. Here is the email address for his office at parliament if you can please forward this update or write a note to him supporting my petition for changes to prevent suicide of our ADF boys: stuart.robert.mp@aph.gov.au I have read every comment that you have all written to me and the ADF/politicians – I have never broke your confidences of the many first-hand tragedies and experiences of cruelty relayed to me, but it is NOW important that these are now made public and sent to Mr. Stuart. The evidence in comments posted is overwhelming, and I sincerely thank these signatories who have sadly had to recall their pain. Our boys are, as suspected, the very tip of a very dark iceberg. We need to clarify the REAL “chain of command” here; the very top of The ADF reports to Government, The Government report to The People of Australia. We as The People of Australia should not have to request such a right of protecting our own children. The Government of Australia NEED to be told that this situation if far from acceptable and to just carry out our small request immediately. Should we lose another child, our Government, must be held fully accountable. I had warned the previous Minister that the situation was endangering our kids and I have accused them of deaths that happened on their watch, after they were warned. My plea is that the facts are in; make the change NOW and have your review/inquiry later…. My sincere appreciation to you all for helping this tiny request get the attention that is needed. Mark