The annual veteran suicide rate is at its lowest level in a decade, as the commonwealth spruiks new measures to support defence force members following a royal commission.

A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed there were 73 suicide deaths of current and former defence force members in 2023, according to preliminary data.

It's the lowest level of veteran suicides in a 12-month period since 2013.

"The statistics we've seen released today in the latest update do not paint a pretty picture," Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh told reporters in Perth on Tuesday.

"One death is one too many," he said.

"But we are encouraged to see that over the last few years, we have seen the number of personnel and veterans taking their own lives has started to fall."

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