Canberra, Dec 2 (NationPress) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh have announced that the government will initiate a distinct independent inquiry into sexual violence in the defence force.

The federal government, on Monday, presented its response to the significant Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, agreeing to 104 of the final report's 122 recommendations and committing to substantial and lasting reform, according to Xinhua news agency.

They indicated that the government has consented that troops found guilty of sexual offences—whether in civilian courts or the military justice system—should be automatically discharged from service.

"We hold profound respect for every Australian who dons our nation’s uniform and serves selflessly to ensure our safety," Albanese stated to reporters in Canberra, "now we will strive relentlessly to enhance the system and ensure their safety as well."

The three-year royal commission presented its final report in September, revealing that 2,007 current or former defence force members took their own lives between 1985 and 2021.

It found that the suicide rates are 24 percent higher for male veterans and a staggering 102 percent higher for female veterans compared to their counterparts in the general populace.

The report highlighted sexual misconduct as a pervasive problem within the defence force.

The government's response stated that the levels of sexual violence reported within the force are entirely unacceptable.

It also supported a suggestion to incorporate emotional intelligence considerations for leadership roles.

"Those in command should possess more emotional intelligence rather than less," Marles stated on Monday.

The government, however, dismissed the Royal Commission's recommendation to modify the compensation system that currently favors soldiers injured in warlike operations over those injured during training.