Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lambie for the question. Senator Lambie, as you'd be aware, and certainly as the Attorney-General and the Prime Minister have made clear on a number of occasions, reducing lives lost to suicide is a priority for the Australian government. Senator Lambie, like you, all members in this chamber recognise that the death of any Australian Defence Force member or veteran is beyond tragic for the family and is deeply felt by the entire community. Preventing suicide amongst ADF personnel and within our veteran community is a critical priority for the Australian government.

Senator Lambie, you are correct: on 30 September 2020 the Attorney-General did announce the appointment of Dr Bernadette Boss, CSC, as the interim national commissioner. Dr Boss has served as a magistrate and coroner in the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates Court. She also holds a PhD from the University of Sydney and she has practised as a barrister in Australia and in the United Kingdom, primarily in the area of family law, criminal law, administrative law and human rights law. In terms of her credentials, Dr Boss also served in various command and staff roles in the ADF, primarily as a reservist. She also worked in the healthcare system as a nurse. It is the position of the Attorney-General and the government that Dr Boss's experience makes her well placed to engage with families, friends and communities affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide. Dr Boss will undertake the role of national commissioner until legislation formally establishing the position has been enacted.