The mother of a former Royal Australian Navy sailor who took his own life has made an emotional plea for a royal commission into veteran suicides.

The Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester admitted that they have no way of knowing how many veterans have committed suicide, estimating the number to be around 30 people.

Julie-Ann Finney lost her 38-year-old son to suicide early in the year.

David Finney was a former Royal Australian Navy sailor who suffered from PTSD and was told he had to wait six months to be able to see a psychiatrist.

He died before he could make it to a medical professional.

Julie-Ann tells Ben Fordham a royal commission is needed to help our veterans.

“The biggest thing for me is if I wasn’t making noise right now I would have buried my son and had to move on. I’m not going to do that. I’m not going to just bury him and get over it.

“We need to save the ones that are still here.”

She appeals to Scott Morrison directly to start a royal commission.

Click PLAY to listen to her heartbreaking plea

Ben says we need a royal commission into the issue of veteran suicides.

“If it’s good enough to launch a royal commission into aged care or the banks then I tell you what, it’s worthwhile doing it for this very important issue.”

To sign the petition for a royal commission click HERE

If you are experiencing difficulties please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.