A royal commission into defence and veteran suicide will launch its latest series of hearings in Canberra just a short distance from the Australian War Memorial which pays tribute to military members who have lost their lives.

The inquiry has already been presented with shocking evidence about the treatment of past and present defence force personnel, and on Monday will start a fortnight of hearings in Canberra.

The Australian War Memorial is a major landmark dedicated to the stories of the nation’s defence and war history, where thousands of soldiers are honoured for their service.

The last time the royal commission held a hearing, in mid-March, it was told of the humiliating bullying and harassment which led to the psychological decline of a veteran.

The ex-soldier, who was not named to protect her privacy, said she was targeted by several young men aged in their 20s while she was serving as their deputy commander.

Her story is one of many which has highlighted a failing complaints system within the defence force. There have also been complaints about the support network offered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The next tranche of hearings will include witnesses from Defence and the department, ex-service organisations and people with experience of suicide and suicide behaviours, the commission has confirmed.

“The inquiry will hear evidence about culture, claims processing, support for families of serving and ex-serving personnel and transition to civilian life,” a statement read.

Commissioners, who have received about 1350 written submissions, are due to release an interim report in August, citing issues which require urgent attention.

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