Inaugural DVSC Commissioner appointed

The Albanese Government has appointed Penny McKay as the inaugural Commissioner of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) for a five-year term. The DVSC is key to delivering on the Government’s efforts to reduce the unacceptable rate of suicide among serving and ex-serving veterans.

Ms McKay was appointed following an extensive, merit-based recruitment process.

She is highly qualified to lead the DVSC, with a distinguished public service career, including serving in independent oversight roles as Deputy Commonwealth and Defence Force Ombudsman. Ms McKay is a lawyer with experience as a State, Territory and Commonwealth prosecutor and has conducted coercive hearings as General Counsel of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.

She has dedicated her career to achieving fairness for the community.

Ms McKay has served as Acting Commissioner since the DVSC began operations in September 2025, fulfilling the recommendation the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide deemed it’s most important.

The DVSC operates independently of Government and is backed by significant evidence-gathering powers. It is tasked with driving ongoing, systemic reform across the Defence and veteran ecosystem.

A key element of its mandate is to hold Government to account by monitoring and reporting on progress to implement agreed recommendations.

The recent passage of standalone legislation makes the DVSC truly independent, with the Commissioner appointed by the Governor-General.

The Government has provided significant funding of $44.5 million over four years, including $10 million in the first year to establish and operationalise the DVSC. Funding for the DVSC is ongoing.

Ms McKay’s permanent appointment is an important milestone as the Government continues its urgent work to implement the agreed Royal Commission recommendations.

Ms McKay’s term as Commissioner will begin on 1 June 2026.

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