More evidence of lacking support for struggling defence force veterans and their families is due to be presented to a royal commission underway in Canberra.

Past and present defence personnel who have battled post traumatic stress and considered suicide, plus their relations, are among the people who have made more than 1300 submissions to the inquiry.

Kevin Connor SC is counsel assisting the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and has outlined the schedule of upcoming witnesses, as hearings continue in Canberra for the next fortnight.

“The key role families play is often not properly recognised, not supported by Defence, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and other services,” Mr Connor said ahead of Tuesday’s hearing.

“We have heard that families feel marginalised, and alone, in helping the person to recover … particularly in the transition to civilian life and through the claims processes.

“The role of families in caring and supporting current and former serving members cannot be understated.”

On Tuesday the inquiry will hear from two witnesses including Teresa Pyne, the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, who is expected to give evidence about the impact her father’s war trauma has had on her mother and siblings.

The commission is due to release an interim report in August, citing issues which require urgent attention.

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