The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is about to hand down a big report. Here's what it has heard

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is about to hand down a big report.

After a week of hearings in Hobart, and months around Australia, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will hand down its interim report this morning.

Kicking off in Brisbane in November last year,  the commission wrapped up its Tasmanian hearings on Wednesday and heard from veterans and families who spoke of ongoing trauma, poor support systems, and the battle for compensation.

The royal commission was established in July last year after a motion passed both chambers of parliament in March supporting its creation.

At the Tasmanian hearings, the commission heard from senator Jacqui Lambie, who said a back injury that resulted in her being medically discharged began a six-year battle with the Department of Veterans' Affairs for compensation, as well as debilitating pain and depression.

The three commissioners use submissions, private sessions, hearings and research as part of their investigation, and are required to hand down two reports — an interim report and a final report.

Veterans and serving members of the ADF share their mental health experiences, including what helped them, at hearings for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in Townsville.