Susan McDonald (Queensland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

The coalition recognises and respects the intent behind Senator Lambie's amendment. The objective of strengthening oversight, improving transparency and ensuring the implementation of reforms arising from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide remains a national priority is one we share. However, we cannot support the amendment in its current form. Advice provided by the government is that the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission is not intended to operate as a continuous monitoring body for the purpose of government implementation. Its core role is to undertake independent inquiry, examine systemic issues and provide considered reports that drive meaningful reform. Requiring annual implementation inquiries risks diverting the commission resources and focus away from that primary function, potentially diminishing its capacity to deliver on its intended mandate.

The coalition sought to strike a responsible balance in reporting timeframes. We moved an amendment in the House to bring forward the first implementation report to 30 September 2026, ensuring an initial report would be available ahead of the next election. Following further consideration and advice that this time frame did not allow sufficient time for a thorough and meaningful report, we have incorporated that feedback and adjusted the timing to February 2027. This approach ensures timely and credible accountability while preserving the independence and effectiveness of the commission. For these reasons, while we appreciate the intent of the amendment, we are not able to support it.