Emma Comer (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The commission will have a dedicated and sustained focus on suicide prevention. It will ensure that agencies responsible for implementing the royal commission's recommendations are held to account. It will promote long-term cultural and structural change and drive the reforms necessary to reduce the rates of suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members. To perform this role effectively, the commission must have the independence, functions and powers necessary to meet these objectives and to maintain the trust of the Defence and veteran community. That is precisely what this bill delivers.

The Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025 builds on the work undertaken by the parliament in February this year, when schedule 9 of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 was passed and subsequently examined through a Senate inquiry. The submissions, evidence and findings of that inquiry have directly informed the development of this bill. As a result, the government has implemented several key recommendations.

First, the bill establishes standalone legislation for the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission, reinforcing its independence and clarity of purpose. Second, the bill ensures that the functions of the commissioner explicitly include reference to veterans' families. There is no doubt that the families of veterans play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our veterans. At the same time, they face unique challenges themselves. They are often carers, advocates and first responders, yet their voices are too often overlooked. Through this legislation, the Albanese government acknowledges the significance of veterans' families and recognises that meaningful system reform must consider the experiences and needs of the families alongside those who serve. Third, the commission's functions and powers have been reviewed and the proposed amendments arising from the inquiry process have been adopted.

This bill strengthens the independence of the commissioner and the commissioner's powers to ensure accountability. It also works to access the information necessary to perform oversight functions effectively. It also expands the scope of witness protection, ensuring that individuals who provide information to an inquiry by the commissioner are appropriately protected. This is essential to fostering trust, encouraging transparency and ensuring that people feel safe to come forward.

This bill also improves transparency in the work of the commission itself. It introduces statutory deadlines for the completion of two inquiries into the Commonwealth's implementation of the government's response to the royal commission's recommendations. Those deadlines are 2 December 2027 and 2 December 2030, marking the third and sixth anniversaries of the government's response. These statutory milestones are an important accountability mechanism. They ensure that progress is measured, reported on and subject to scrutiny over time. These provisions reflect a clear understanding that system reform is not a one-off exercise. It requires sustained attention, long-term oversight and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The government has listened to feedback from stakeholders and has taken action. The changes contained in this bill ensure that the commissioner has the tools necessary to enable the commission to drive meaningful system reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force. Importantly, these reforms mean that agencies will be held accountable to consider and respond to the commissioner's recommendations.

The enduring nature of the commission ensures that the voices of veterans and their families continue to be heard and that systemic issues contributing to suicide and poor wellbeing outcomes are continually reviewed and addressed. These provisions ensure continuity, legal clarity and smooth transition so that there is no disruption to the important work of the commission.

Taken together, these bills strengthen independence, enhance accountability and embed long-term oversight at the heart of the Defence and veterans support system. They honour the findings of the royal commission, respond to the parliament's scrutiny and reflect the government's commitment to listening, learning and acting.

I want to finish by acknowledging the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to support veterans. The RSLs in my electorate are working tirelessly to support our veterans. I want to especially thank Rosemary, who tirelessly volunteers at the Redcliffe RSL. It's people like Rosemary who make all the difference, providing fierce support exactly where it's needed. On our end the government is getting on with the job of removing roadblocks for veterans so that they can access the services they need, the services they've earnt and the services they deserve.

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