Comcare v Department of Defence: Criminal Conviction for Failure to Manage Psychosocial Risks

In late 2025, the Department of Defence was criminally convicted under the Commonwealth WHS Act and fined $188,000 following the suicide of an RAAF technician who was subjected to performance management plans and showed signs of distress, but was not offered support. This landmark case highlights the importance of managing psychosocial risks and ensuring that performance management processes do not cause psychological harm.