Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

I would like to commend the previous speaker, the member for Lalor, for that fantastic speech. The Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026 marks another important milestone in the Albanese government's response to the landmark royal commission into veteran suicide. Few issues examined by this parliament carry the same gravity and responsibility as the challenge of preventing suicide among serving personnel, veterans and their families. Behind every recommendation of the royal commission sits a person, a family, a story and, in far too many cases, a profound loss that should never have occurred.

The royal commission heard from thousands of Australians who shared deeply personal experience about their service, their transition to civilian life, their interactions with government systems and the support they received when they needed it most. Many recounted extraordinary acts of courage performed in service to our nation. Others spoke of circumstances where systems designed to support them fell short of what they deserved. Every contribution made to the royal commission came at a personal cost. Veterans, serving personnel, partners, parents, children and loved ones relived painful experiences so that future generations might be better supported than they were.

This parliament owes them more than gratitude. As well, it owes them action and reform. Most importantly, we owe them a commitment that the lessons of the royal commission will not gather dust on a shelf. The Albanese Labor government has approached this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves. Long before entering government, Labor called for the establishment of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide because we recognised the scale of the challenge confronting the defence and veteran community. Upon coming to government, we continued to support the work of the royal commission and committed ourselves to implementing meaningful reform.

On 2 December 2024, the government released its formal response to the royal commission.

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That response reflected both the significance of the findings and the determination of the government to drive lasting change across Defence, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the broader support systems that serve military families. The government accepted the overwhelming majority of the commission's recommendations. We agreed or agreed in principle to 104 of the royal commission's 122 recommendations. A further 17 recommendations were noted for continued consideration and detailed policy development. Those figures demonstrate a government determined to act rather than delay. They reflect an understanding that reform cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone.

Delivering meaningful change requires legislation, investment, administrative reform and sustained commitment across multiple portfolios and agencies, and progress is already being made. By the end of 2025, 32 recommendations had been implemented. By the end of this year, it is expected that approximately two-thirds of the royal commission's recommendations will have been implemented. That represents substantial progress on one of the most significant reform agendas affecting the defence and veteran community in recent history.

The legislation before the House today is a critical part of that work, as it translates recommendations into practical reforms. It strengthens the legislative framework that governs how Defence and Veterans' Affairs support current and former personnel. It builds stronger foundations for early intervention, continuity of care and suicide prevention. Most importantly, it seeks to ensure that government agencies are better equipped to identify risk, provide support and respond effectively when individuals and families need assistance.

One of the clearest findings of the royal commission was that enhanced information sharing is fundamental to improving health, wellbeing and safety outcomes. The commission identified circumstances where information that could have supported an individual was held within one agency but not available to another. It highlighted situations where fragmented systems and administrative barriers prevented timely intervention. Evidence presented throughout the inquiry demonstrated that support services work best when agencies are able to collaborate effectively and share relevant information responsibly.

Effective care depends upon continuity, early intervention depends on awareness, and prevention depends upon understanding risk before a crisis occurs. The royal commission recognises these realities and recommended substantial reforms to improve information sharing across Defence and Veterans' Affairs. While a number of interim measures have already been introduced, permanent legislative reform is necessary to provide certainty, consistency and accountability. That is precisely what this bill delivers. The bill directly implements 15 recommendations of the royal commission. Beyond those direct measures, it further supports 20 additional recommendations. Taken together, the legislation enables and supports 35 recommendations that are focused on improving the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

This bill establishes needed reform across information sharing, health services, family support, service entry and exit arrangements, and governance structures. The legislation is structured across five schedules. Each schedule contributes to a broader objective of strengthening wellbeing, improving safety and reducing the risk factors that can contribute to poor outcomes. Schedule 1 focuses on information sharing. Schedule 2 modernises the defence health services framework. Schedule 3 strengthens information sharing and support arrangements for defence families. Schedule 4 reforms service entry and exit provisions. Schedule 5 improves governance and accountability measures. Together, these reforms create a more integrated and responsive system. They recognise that suicide prevention is not the responsibility of a single agency. It requires coordinated action across Defence, Veterans' Affairs and other government bodies working towards common objectives.

A central feature of the bill is the creation of clear legislative authority for information sharing. The legislation enables Defence, the DVA and other Commonwealth agencies to collect, use and disclose information for research, analysis, evaluation, prevention and early intervention purposes. When covering areas of sensitivity such as this, the bill contains robust privacy safeguards to ensure information is handled appropriately, while ministerial guidelines will govern the exercise of these powers. The reforms align with established Privacy Act principles and broader privacy protections.

Achieving the right balance is essential. Government agencies require access to information that can help identify risk and support vulnerable individuals. At the same time, Australians rightly expect strong protections for personal and sensitive information. This legislation delivers both objectives. Better information sharing is not an administrative exercise; it is a practical reform with real-world consequences. When agencies can identify emerging risks earlier, support can be offered sooner. When information follows an individual through different stages of service and transition, continuity of care improves. When researchers and policymakers have access to better data, future interventions become more effective. These outcomes can save lives.

The bill also strengthens arrangements between Defence and DVA during periods of transition from military service to civilian life. Transition to civilian life represents a significant change for many personnel. I've seen this happen many times. While countless veterans make that transition successfully, the royal commission identified circumstances where individuals experienced challenges accessing support during this period. Delays, administrative complexity and fragmented information systems can create additional stress at a time when support is most important. The reform contained in this bill addresses those concerns directly.

Earlier transfer of relevant information from Defence to DVA will support more timely claims processing. Improved access to information will assist compensation arrangements and tailored support services. Agencies will be better positioned to proactively engage with individuals identified as being at increased risk. These changes support a more coordinated and person centred approach to transition. Rather than expecting veterans to navigate multiple systems independently, government agencies will be better equipped to work together on their behalf. That represents a significant cultural and operational shift.

Another important aspect of the bill concerns defence health services. The legislation establishes a dedicated basis for defence health services and modernises the framework governing their operation. Contemporary health care requires clear governance structures, strong quality assurance mechanisms and robust clinical oversight. The reforms contained in schedule 2 reflect those realities, as they provide legislative support for clinical governance arrangements, health monitoring activities and quality improvement initiatives.

A modern defence force requires a modern health system. Personnel serving in uniform deserve healthcare arrangements that reflect contemporary clinical standards and best practice. Enhanced governance contributes to better outcomes for patients. Improved monitoring supports early identification of emerging issues. Stronger quality assurance promotes continuous improvement across the health system. The bill also enables lawful and proportionate use of health information to improve service delivery and support suicide prevention initiatives. Evidence based decision-making depends upon access to quality information. These reforms strengthen the capacity of defence health services to identify trends, evaluate interventions and improve performance over time.

Support for defence families forms another significant component of the legislation. The royal commission repeatedly highlighted the vital role families play in supporting serving personnel and veterans. Partners, parents, children and carers are often the first to recognise changes in physical and mental wellbeing. They frequently provide practical and emotional support throughout periods of service, transition and recovery, yet families themselves can experience significant challenges. Improved information sharing and communication arrangements will help families remain connected to relevant support systems.

Greater recognition of family needs strengthens the broader wellbeing framework surrounding defence personnel. Particular attention has been given to circumstances involving family and domestic violence. The bill ensures that benefits and support arrangements can continue for former spouses and partners in the immediate aftermath of separation, where family and domestic violence is present. These provisions support safer separation outcomes. They recognise that access to support can be especially important during periods of heightened vulnerability. This represents a practical reform designed to assist individuals facing difficult and often dangerous circumstances.

The legislation also addresses integrity and safety requirements associated with service in the Australian Defence Force. Public confidence in defence depends upon maintaining high standards of conduct and character. Service in uniform carries unique responsibilities. Australians rightly expect those entrusted with those responsibilities to meet appropriate standards. The bill strengthens existing arrangements in this area.

Individuals convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for serious violent or sexual offences will be prohibited from joining the ADF. Mandatory discharge arrangements will apply to members sentenced by an Australian court to imprisonment. Existing 'fit and proper person' requirements are consolidated and clarified. Substance related separation processes are aligned with existing medical separation frameworks. These measures promote consistency, transparency and fairness. They also reinforce the principle that service in the Australian Defence Force is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Alongside these substantive reforms, the bill contains amendments that support the operation of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission. Governance and accountability in these areas matter and effective oversight strengthens public confidence and improves institutional performance. The royal commission identified the importance of independent scrutiny and clear accountability arrangements. The reforms contained within this legislation support those objectives.

Collectively, the measures before the House represent practical change rather than symbolic change. They are informed by evidence. They respond directly to the findings of the royal commission. They seek to address systemic challenges identified through years of detailed examination and testimony. Most importantly, they focus on outcomes through greater information sharing, earlier intervention, stronger continuity of care, improved support for families, enhanced governance, safer service environments and more effective transition arrangements.

Each reform contributes to a broader objective of reducing harm and improving wellbeing across the defence and veteran community. No single piece of legislation can resolve every challenge identified by the royal commission. The tragedy of veteran suicide demands humility as well as determination. Lasting reform for veterans requires sustained effort over many years. It requires governments, agencies and communities to remain focused on implementation long after reports are handed down and headlines fade.

What this bill demonstrates is a commitment to continue that work by the Albanese government. It demonstrates a willingness to translate recommendations into action. It demonstrates an understanding that the health and wellbeing of defence personnel, veterans and their families must remain a national priority. This legislation represents an important step on that journey. Through stronger information sharing, modernised health frameworks, improved family support, enhanced transition arrangements and better governance, it delivers meaningful reforms that will help build a more responsive and effective system. The Albanese Labor government remains committed to implementing the royal commission's recommendations and ensuring that genuine change follows from its work.

For those reasons, I commend the bill to the House.

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