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.

Further details of the recruitment process for the inaugural Commissioner may be found at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

Further details about the DVSC can be found at www.DVSC.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel:

“The Royal Commission said creating an independent body to oversee reform was its most important recommendation.
“Today, less than a year after the Albanese Government accepted that recommendation, it is up and running.
“Now, veterans and their families have a powerful champion in their corner with a sole focus on fixing what has been a broken system.
“The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission has a singular focus – to drive the reforms that, guided by the best evidence, will lower suicides and suicidality among current and ex-serving ADF members.”

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