Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission up and running
The Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission (DVSC) began operation on 29 September as a powerful force for change, overseeing sustained improvement in how we protect the lives of those who swore to 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 – described by the Commission as its most important. 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 is serving as Acting Commissioner while a merit-based recruitment process for the inaugural permanent DVSC Commissioner is underway. Ms McKay comes to the role with a distinguished career that’s included serving as Deputy Commonwealth and Defence Force Ombudsman.
You can find out more about the DVSC at www.DVSC.gov.au.