INDEPENDENT DEFENCE AND VETERANS' COMMISSION UP AND RUNNING
The Albanese Government is implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to reduce suicide and suicidality among current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
Today, the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission (DVSC) begins operation as a powerful force for change, overseeing sustained improvement in how we protect the lives of those who protect us.
For the first time, veterans and their families have a government entity with a specific, singular focus on preventing suicide among current and ex-serving ADF members.
Operating independently of government, and backed by significant evidence-gathering powers, the DVSC will drive ongoing, systemic reform across the defence and veteran ecosystem.
The creation of the DVSC implements Recommendation 122 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide – to create a new, independent statutory entity.
This recommendation was described by the Commission as its most important.
Standing up the DVSC is a foundational step in the Government's ongoing program to implement Royal Commission recommendations.
A key element of its mandate is to hold government to account by monitoring and reporting on progress to implement recommendations.
Families of veterans who have died by suicide have made it clear they expect this body to be at arm's length from Government.
That is why the Government will introduce standalone legislation for the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission, with a Commissioner to be appointed by the Governor-General to ensure their independence and enhance oversight of the implementation of Royal Commission recommendations, and include defence and veteran families in the Commission's functions.
Penny McKay will serve as Acting Commissioner while a merit-based recruitment process for the inaugural permanent DVSC Commissioner is underway right now.
Ms McKay comes to the role with a distinguished career that's included serving as Deputy Commonwealth and Defence Force Ombudsman.
The Albanese Government acknowledges and thanks the Interim Head of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission, Mr Michael Manthorpe PSM, for his strong commitment and sound independent advice in establishing the new Commission.
