Shocking evidence heard by a senate enquiry has renewed the push for a Royal Commission into veteran suicides.

The inquiry into the government’s proposed commission heard five current and ex-service have taken their lives this week alone.

Jim Wilson echoed calls to appoint a fully independent commissioner to investigate the “very, very disturbing” numbers.

“This is extremely serious. It’s a national disgrace, and it must be addressed.

“Forget all the government red tape: we need to act, and act quickly.”

Senator Jacqui Lambie, a long time advocate for veterans, told Jim Wilson the appointing of former brigadier Bernadette Boss as interim commissioner is “a cover-up at it’s almightiest”.

She compared it to the hypothetical appointment of John Setka to head the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

“We’re only actually getting second-degree offered to us. Aren’t we good enough to deserve a Royal Commission?

“There is no trust left in it.”

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