Kate Chaney (Curtin, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to welcome the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025 and the accompanying Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025. These bills implement recommendation 122 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, a recommendation the commission described as one of its most important. They established the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission as a standalone statutory entity, strengthening its independence and authority. This is a meaningful reform, and I want to acknowledge the government for progressing it.

The royal commission heard deeply distressing evidence from current and former ADF members. It revealed systemic issues in Defence culture, leadership, transition pathways, mental health care and departmental processes. At every stage, witnesses stressed the need for a body capable of identifying systemic risks, providing frank advice and ensuring accountability across Defence, Veterans' Affairs and the broader government ecosystem. These bills respond directly to that call. The independent commissioner will be able to undertake inquiries, gather evidence, examine systemic concerns and, critically, refer matters directly to the minister, or even the Prime Minister, when required. That authority is essential to driving ongoing cultural and structural reform. Many ADF members live, work or transition back to civilian life in my electorate of Curtin. Their service places enormous physical, psychological and moral demands upon them and their families. They face unique pressures of extended postings, isolation from support networks and the intense responsibility of protecting our country. It's essential that they receive better, more holistic support.

I welcome these bills, and I hope the establishment of an independent commissioner will lead to tangible improvements in the health, wellbeing and lives of current and former ADF personnel and their families. They deserve a system that supports them with consistency, compassion and integrity.

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