I am pleased to announce the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) officially opens today, 29 September 2025, honouring the Australian Government’s commitment to establish a new statutory entity as a priority in response to the key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The launch of the DVSC marks an important step in strengthening accountability to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
It is a national tragedy in recent times more of our serving and ex-serving ADF members have died by suicide than in active duty, with ex-serving members more likely to die by suicide than the general Australian population. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide spent three years exploring why and made 122 recommendations aimed at changing things for the better to ensure our sailors, soldiers and aviators receive the protection and support they both need and deserve.
The DVSC will build upon the work of the Royal Commission to provide transparency and accountability over the implementation of the Government’s response to the recommendations, and conduct independent inquiries aimed at improving suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for our Defence personnel.
We will provide an independent view of whether the Government delivers on what they have committed to do and be future-focused on improving outcomes for those who have served and sacrificed for our country. We will not be investigating individual complaints or make decisions about individual cases as our focus is on system-wide oversight, accountability, and driving change. We will remain steadfast in our focus.
The DVSC will work collaboratively with Government stakeholders, community sector organisations, academics, people with lived experience, and serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families, to oversee and drive the reforms recommended by the Royal Commission.
The DVSC will commence its work in line with the functions and powers set out in Schedule 9 of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025. However, in response to the recent Senate Committee review of the Act, work is already underway to establish standalone legislation for the DVSC and to ensure the Commissioner’s independence is supported through appointment by the Governor-General.
I am honoured to launch the DVSC as the Acting Commissioner and thank everyone who has played a part in establishing the Commission within the timeframe committed to by Government. As we work to bring the intent of the Royal Commission into reality, the DVSC looks forward to engaging with everyone who shares our vision of real and sustained positive change for our serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families.
