Overview
The Australian Government invites applications from outstanding and suitably qualified leaders to be considered for appointment as the inaugural Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner. The Commission is a recent, Non-corporate Commonwealth entity created in response to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Commission’s purpose is to provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on system reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
The Commission will commence on 29 September 2025. The Commissioner will be the accountable authority of the Commission and will be expected to perform their functions independently of government. The Commissioner will provide agency leadership to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem, including exercising the legislative powers and functions as set out in the legislation, and upholding the independence and integrity of the Commission at all times. The Commissioner will develop and maintain effective working relationships and strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders in the Defence and veterans’ ecosystem, including with people with lived experience of suicide and suicidality.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner on a full-time basis, appointed for a period not exceeding five years.
- Act as the accountable authority of the Commission and provide independent, government-facing leadership and oversight of reform across the Defence ecosystem.
- Exercise the legislative powers and functions as set out in the legislation and uphold the independence and integrity of the Commission.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships and strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience of suicide and suicidality.
Qualifications and Experience
- Expressions of interest from eligible and suitably qualified persons.
- Ability to perform the role independently of government and to lead reform across the Defence and veterans’ ecosystem.
- Background, skills and experience relevant to the requirements of the role.
- Willingness to be appointed as Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner on a full-time basis for up to five years.
- Prepare a statement of no more than 1,000 words detailing your background, skills and experience and how they relate to the role, and attach a resume outlining career history, qualifications and achievements.
Application Process
A Candidate Information Pack containing further information about the Commission, the role of the Commissioner, remuneration, eligibility and selection criteria, and details on how to apply, is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website. Applicants are encouraged to view this information pack before submitting their application.
For further questions after reviewing the CIP or if you need assistance with the application process, please contact Lionel Riley on or Enquiries will be kept in strict confidence.
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📌 Defence and Veterans’ Services Commissioner
🏢 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
📍 Hobart