* Non-ongoing 5 years with the possibility of reappointment
* Statutory Appointment plus 15.4% superannuation
* Canberra ACT
* Location: Canberra ACT
* Application Closing Date: Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 11:30pm AEST
Classification
Statutory Appointment
Employment Type
Non-ongoing (5 years with the possibility of reappointment)
Information about the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission and the office of the Commissioner
The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission will be a new, Non-corporate Commonwealth entity created by the Australian Government in response to Recommendation 122 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (Royal Commission) .
The purpose of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission is to provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to Government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The Commission consists of the Commissioner and their staff.
The Royal Commission considered that establishing a new entity with a dedicated and sustained focus on suicide prevention is the most significant action the Australian Government can take to address defence and veteran suicide. Chapter 30 (page 275) of the Final Report: Volume 6 provides additional information about Royal Commission's rationale for Recommendation 122 and the proposed functions and powers of the new entity, which have been enshrined in legislation.
The office of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner has been created by Schedule 9 of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (the Act). The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (the Commission) will commence on 29 September 2025. Pursuant to section 5 of the Act, the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee has conducted a review of the amendments in Schedule 9 of the Act, prior to the commencement of the Commission. The Committee reported its findings to the Senate on 29 August 2025.
About The Role
The Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner is the accountable authority and head of the Commission. The Commissioner will provide agency leadership to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem, including managing the Commission's capability and performance, leading the planning, development and implementation of the major functions of the Commission, exercising the legislative powers and functions as set out in Schedule 9; upholding the independence and integrity of the Commission at all times, and developing and maintaining effective working relationships and strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders in the Defence and veterans' ecosystem, including people with lived experience of suicide and suicidality.
The Defence And Veterans' Service Commissioner Monitors, Conducts Inquiries And Reports (including With Evidence-based Findings And Recommendations) On Matters Relating To Systemic Reform To
* improve suicide prevention for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members; or
* improve wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
The Commissioner may conduct inquiries on their own initiative or on request by the Minister, as provided for in the Act. In addition, the Commissioner will be required to conduct at least 2 inquiries into the Commonwealth's implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission.
The Commissioner is able to hold inquiries, including though public and private hearings. They can also designate an inquiry to be a special inquiry which allows the exercise of powers to compel persons to attend to give evidence or produce documents or things, and other information gathering powers.
As outlined in the Act, the Commissioner's functions include:
* to monitor, inquire and report on (including with evidence-based findings and recommendations)
The functions do not extend to making findings of civil and criminal wrongdoing; making findings on the manner or cause of death in relation to the death of a defence member or suspected suicide; or monitoring or inquiring into a single exercise of a power, or a single performance of a function or duty.
* data and trends regarding suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members
* systemic factors relating to the Commonwealth's administration of policies, programs, systems and practices that contribute to suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members
* the state of the defence and veteran ecosystem, as it relates to the prevention of suicide and suicidality
* the Commonwealth's implementation of the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission, including progress, impact and outcomes.
* to conduct research and inquire into, and report and advise on, specific matters as requested by the Minister
* to conduct inquiries into the Commonwealth's implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission
* to improve supports for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members
* to collaborate with coroners to understand issues contributing to defence and veteran deaths by suicide
* to promote understanding of suicide risks for defence members and veterans and factors that can improve the wellbeing of defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experiences and promoting that lived experience.
Selection Criteria
Requirements
To be a strong contender for this role, in addition to meeting eligibility requirements and in accordance with the Government's merit and transparency policy on transparent and merit-based assessment in the selection of statutory office holders, applicants will need to demonstrate their capability against the following criteria: 2. Manages large and/or complex operations 3. Works with others to meet objectives 4. High level of judgement
* Demonstrates high-level leadership and vision
* sets a strategic vision and inspires others to achieve this
* innovative in dealing with issues
* articulates a clear direction for their organisation
* achieves results within the context of organisational and/or Government policy
* strong people management skills
* strong financial management, ensuring efficient, effective and ethical use of resources
* understanding of and commitment to quality organisational governance
* operates collaboratively with others to meet organisational objectives
* cultivates productive relationships
* listens to people and values different perspectives
* Demonstrates a high standard of professional and personal integrity and capacity to promote these in an organisation.
Knowledge or experience in the following areas is also highly desirable:
* Understanding, or an ability to develop an understanding of the Defence and veterans' ecosystem
* Understanding, or ability to acquire an understanding of government and Parliamentary processes and protocols
* Understanding, or an ability to develop an understanding of suicide and suicidality in the Defence and veteran ecosystem
* Ability to effectively and impartially lead an independent, oversight agency
* Ability to lead complex inquiries or reviews involving the use of significant powers and sensitive information
* Sophisticated engagement skills, and a personal style that engenders trust and respect, including the ability to embed a trauma-informed approach to the work of the Commission
* A focus on enabling and fostering high-performing staff where people are supported to deliver and give their best, including uniting people behind a strategic vision.
Flexible Work
At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of 'how can we make this work?' and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.
Eligibility
To be eligible for appointment as the Commissioner, applicants must satisfy the following:
* Have suitable qualifications, training and experience
* Be an Australian citizen
* Willingness to disclose all interests, pecuniary or otherwise, that may conflict with the performance of the duties
* Ability to travel interstate as required
* Has not been a serving member of the Australian Defence Force in the past five (5) years
* Have, or be able to obtain and maintain any necessary Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration(s)
* Have, or be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting 1 level. To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance an applicant must be an Australian citizen and be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. Applicants must have a checkable background for at least the preceding 10 years. Further information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
We encourage and welcome applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.
While no specific qualifications are required for the role, it is anticipated that competitive candidates will bring extensive leadership experience and/or qualifications in disciplines of relevance to the work of the Commission, for example, law, suicide prevention and mental health, public administration, and inquiries/investigations.
Terms and Conditions
The successful applicant will be appointed as the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner on a full-time basis and for a period not exceeding five (5) years. The Commissioner may be eligible for reappointment.
Remuneration and allowances for the position are set by the Remuneration Tribunal: Remuneration Tribunal Amendment Determination (No The Remuneration Tribunal has set a determination for a total remuneration of $486,400 pa. The position and the Commission are based in Canberra, however remote workplace arrangements for the Commissioner within Australia may be considered.
How To Apply
Applications must include:
* A written application of no more than 1,000 words outlining your background, skills and experience and how they relate to the eligibility and selection criteria of the role.
* A resume of no more than 4 pages outlining qualifications, experience and expertise.
* Names and contact details of at least 2 referees who have recent, direct and relevant experience of the applicant's work.
Applications must be submitted using the online recruitment system: by 11:30pm AEST on Wednesday, 1 October 2025
.
Please include any reasonable adjustments you may require for this process.
Assessment process
Applicants will be initially assessed by a panel on their written application and resume. Shortlisted applicants will be further assessed by the panel at interview.
Communication
All advice and communication will be sent to applicants via email. Please ensure the email address provided is correct. We recommend you use an email address that ensures you do not miss relevant updates or invitations – and please regularly check your junk or spam folders.
Contact for applications and enquiries
If further information is required after reviewing the documentation, please contact:
Lionel Riley (Principal Consultant)
Phone:
Email:
Link:
Candidate Information Opens in new window
Candidate Information Opens in new window