Proclamation of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Act 2026

This week, on the 30^th of April 2026, Her Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sam Mostyn AC, signed an instrument of Proclamation for the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Act 2026. This instrument fixes 1 June 2026 as the day on which the Act is to commence.

This new Act sets out the powers and functions of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner under standalone legislation. This replaces the existing DVSC legislation, which was introduced under the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025.

The new legislation provides additional protections to ensure the independence of the DVSC, including that the inaugural Commissioner will be appointed by the Governor-General. It also provides a framework for the Commissioner to report publicly to the Parliament and enshrines the presence of families in the Commissioner’s functions.