Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill passes Parliament

Today marks an important milestone in the Albanese Government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The Parliament has passed the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Bill 2025 and the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025.

This realises the full intent of Recommendation 122 – the recommendation the Royal Commission deemed it’s most important - to establish a new statutory entity to oversee system reform across the whole Defence and veteran ecosystem, the Defence and Veteran Service Commission (DVSC).

The Commission is focused on improving suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for current and former serving Australian Defence Force members by providing independent oversight and evidence-based advice to the Australian Government and Parliament.

The passage of this legislation is consistent with the Government’s commitment to enacting standalone legislation for the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner and Commission, following the swift passage of the enabling legislation in February 2025.

The Bill also reflects the Government’s response to the recommendations of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee report of 29 August 2025 on the current enabling legislation, including that the Government transitions the DVSC into standalone legislation, the Commissioner is appointed by the Governor-General and that the Commissioner’s functions include veterans’ families.

The Government’s response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission involves the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the systems, culture and processes across Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608