Recent ADF members ruled out of veterans’ service chief
Recently retired members of the Australian Defense Force will be ineligible to chair a new commission tasked with improving veterans’ welfare.
While the Albanian government continues to implement the recommendations of the royal commission into defense and veteran suicide, legislation will warn about who can lead this body.
The chairman of the Defense and Veterans Service Commission cannot have served in the Australian Defense Force in the last five years prior to appointment.
Labor took the decision following consultations on how to ensure the commissioner’s independence and maintain trust among veterans.
The commission’s role will be to provide independent oversight and recommendations to the federal government on reforms aimed at improving the welfare of the defense and veterans community, with a focus on suicide prevention.
Recruitment of a commissioner is underway after the body became operational in late September.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Matt Keogh introduced the bill to the House of Representatives on Thursday.
“The permanent nature of the commission will ensure that our veterans’ voices continue to be heard and that systemic issues that contribute to suicide in our veteran community are continually reviewed and addressed,” he told Parliament.
“It is our nation’s duty to strengthen and support the mental health and well-being of our defense and veteran community in order to reduce high rates of suicide and suicidality.
Mr Keogh said the framework in place would provide the head of agency with the necessary tools to hold institutions accountable.
“The Commission will be a powerful force for change, overseeing continuous improvement in how we protect the lives of those who protect us,” he said.
The Minister will speak at the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday.
In September the government announced its progress towards the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defense and Veteran Suicide.
Labor accepted the overwhelming majority of the inquiry’s 122 recommendations.
Mr Keogh previously told parliament that nine recommendations had been completed and work was ongoing on 110 recommendations.
