Inaugural Commissioner Appointed

The Government has appointed Penny McKay as the inaugural Commissioner of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC).

Ms McKay was appointed following an extensive, merit-based recruitment process. Ms McKay’s five-year term will begin on 1 June 2026.

Ms McKay has served as Acting Commissioner since the DVSC began operations in September 2025. 

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

Ms McKay, who has dedicated her career to achieving fairness for the community, said she is both honoured and energised to be continuing the Commission’s important work.

‘The independence, authority and purpose of the Commission are vital to maintaining momentum on the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. We will hold government to account to improve the lives of serving and ex-serving members and their families.’ Ms McKay said.

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.

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