Today marks a historic milestone in Australia's fight against veteran suicide. The Defence and Veterans' Services Commission (DVSC) officially begins operations—the first-ever independent agency dedicated to preventing suicide among those who've served our nation.
The timing couldn't be more critical. As Acting Commissioner Penny McKay takes the helm while a permanent appointment is sought, the new body faces enormous expectations from a veteran community that has waited far too long for meaningful change.
The numbers that prompted this agency's creation are staggering: between 1997 and 2021, at least 1,677 confirmed suicides occurred among serving and former Defence personnel—that's 20 times more than those killed in combat. But the true toll may be even worse.
The devastating reality behind the commission
More recent data reveals 1,840 certified deaths by suicide among current and ex-serving ADF personnel between 1997 and 2023, while Royal Commission estimates suggest the actual number of preventable deaths could exceed 3,000.
'When there's been dozens of inquiries, hundreds of recommendations, and no one's gone back to check whether they've acquitted the intent of the recommendations, I'd say that's a failure of leadership'
The Royal Commission's analysis reveals that on average, three deaths by suicide occur among serving or ex-serving Defence members every fortnight across Australia—a frequency that underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
What the new commission will actually do
The DVSC will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members.
The DVSC's key functions
- Monitor and report on government progress implementing Royal Commission recommendations
- Hold Defence and DVA accountable for reform implementation
- Provide evidence-based policy advice on suicide prevention
- Include defence and veteran families in oversight activities
- Operate independently from other government agencies
A key element of its mandate is to hold government to account by monitoring and reporting on progress to implement recommendations. This isn't just another bureaucratic body—it has real teeth to demand answers when progress stalls.
The independence controversy
However, not everyone is satisfied with the commission's setup. The RSL's Greg Melick says the establishment of the DVSC is a step forward, but its lack of true independence from the Defence portfolio is a concern.
The RSL noted the government's late amendment to establish the DVSC within the Defence portfolio rather than as an independent entity 'was brought forward by the government without proper consultation' and 'has not been informed by the veteran community'.
Some experts suggest moving the commission out of the Defence portfolio and into the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet would provide greater institutional clout.
Veteran support resources available now
If you or someone you know needs help:
Open Arms: 1800 011 046 (24/7 counselling for veterans and families)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (mental health support)
DVA: 1800 555 254 (claims and entitlements support)
Emergency: 000
Real changes already underway
While the commission launches today, some Royal Commission reforms are already taking effect. The Chief of the Defence Force has issued directives about suspension and involuntary separation for serious misconduct, and Defence has implemented a presumption of discharge for members convicted of sexual and related offences.
The new Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 brings together three current systems governing veterans' entitlements under a single Act, making it easier for veterans to understand their rights.
The 2024-25 Budget included an additional $6.5 billion for income support and compensation over five years, with $2.2 billion already paid in 2023-24.
What this means for veteran families
Families of veterans who have died by suicide have made it clear they expect this body to be at arm's length from Government, which is why the Government plans standalone legislation with a Commissioner appointed by the Governor-General.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Suicide rates for full-time and part-time serving males are approximately half that of Australian males in the wider community, but rates increase significantly after leaving service, highlighting the critical importance of transition support.
The Government's response marks the beginning of a substantial and long-term program of reform across Defence, DVA and the veteran support system, with the DVSC providing independent oversight to drive better outcomes.
The road ahead
There's recognition that the whole reform program hangs in the balance on the commission doing all its jobs well, including making life difficult for Defence and DVA by highlighting their failures and providing hard evidence of what needs to change.
The commission faces the challenge of managing expectations while delivering real change. Veterans' families will constantly demand faster, more aggressive action, making this 'one tough gig'.
What This Means For You
As the DVSC begins its crucial work today, the veteran community will be watching closely. Success will be measured not in reports filed or meetings held, but in lives saved and families kept whole.
The commission has the framework and funding to make a difference. Whether it can overcome the systemic failures that have cost so many lives remains to be seen, but for the first time in decades, there's genuine reason for hope.
What are your thoughts on the new commission? If you're a veteran or have family who served, do you think this will make a real difference? Share your experiences and hopes in the comments below—your voice matters in shaping how this vital new body operates.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/technology/...cb5588d29ad63775bd1ddd788fe1ec?from=rss-basic
Independent oversight for improving defence and veteran suicide prevention | Department of Veterans' Affairs
Cited text: The DVSC will begin operations on 29 September 2025.
Excerpt: The timing couldn't be more critical. As Acting Commissioner Penny McKay takes the helm while a permanent appointment is sought
https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-...roving-defence-and-veteran-suicide-prevention
Defense, Veterans' Commission Launches Operations | Mirage News
Cited text: Penny McKay will serve as Acting Commissioner while a merit-based recruitment process for the inaugural permanent DVSC Commissioner is underway right ...
Excerpt: The timing couldn't be more critical. As Acting Commissioner Penny McKay takes the helm while a permanent appointment is sought
https://www.miragenews.com/defense-veterans-commission-launches-operations-1542292/
Royal Commission at a glance | Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Cited text: Between 1997 and 2021 there were 1,677 confirmed suicides by serving and ex-serving members. That is 20 times more than the number of people that were...
Excerpt: The numbers that prompted this agency's creation are staggering: between 1997 and 2021, at least 1,677 confirmed suicides occurred among serving and former Defence personnel—that's 20 times more than those killed in combat
https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/royal-commission-glance
Suicide prevention and mental health | ADF Members & Families | Defence
Cited text: Between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2023, there were 1,840 certified deaths by suicide among current and ex-serving ADF personnel who had completed...
Excerpt: More recent data reveals 1,840 certified deaths by suicide among current and ex-serving ADF personnel between 1997 and 2023
https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-memb...ort-services/suicide-prevention-mental-health
Royal Commission at a glance | Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Cited text: We believe the actual number of preventable deaths by suicide to be higher than 3,000.
Excerpt: Royal Commission estimates suggest the actual number of preventable deaths could exceed 3,000
https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/royal-commission-glance
Royal Commission analysis reveals three deaths by suicide every fortnight | Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Cited text: Analysis conducted by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide show there are on average three deaths by suicide by serving or ex-serving...
Excerpt: The Royal Commission's analysis reveals that on average, three deaths by suicide occur among serving or ex-serving Defence members every fortnight across Australia
https://defenceveteransuicide.royal...-reveals-three-deaths-suicide-every-fortnight
Independent oversight for improving defence and veteran suicide prevention | Department of Veterans' Affairs
Cited text: It will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing ou...
Excerpt: The DVSC will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members
https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-...roving-defence-and-veteran-suicide-prevention
Defense, Veterans' Commission Launches Operations | Mirage News
Cited text: A key element of its mandate is to hold government to account by monitoring and reporting on progress to implement recommendations.
Excerpt: A key element of its mandate is to hold government to account by monitoring and reporting on progress to implement recommendations
https://www.miragenews.com/defense-veterans-commission-launches-operations-1542292/
RSL Reiterates Call for Full Implementation of Royal Commission Recommendations — RSL Australia
Cited text: Greg Melick says the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission (DVSC) is a step forward, but its lack of true independence from t...
Excerpt: The RSL's Greg Melick says the establishment of the DVSC is a step forward, but its lack of true independence from the Defence portfolio is a concern
https://www.rslaustralia.org/latest...mentation-of-royal-commission-recommendations
Veterans’ entitlements harmonisation act passed by parliament—CONTACT magazine
Cited text: “This late amendment, to establish the DVSC within the Defence portfolio rather than as an independent entity, was brought forward by the government w...
Excerpt: The RSL noted the government's late amendment to establish the DVSC within the Defence portfolio rather than as an independent entity 'was brought forward by the government without proper consultation' and 'has not been informed by the…
https://www.contactairlandandsea.co...ments-harmonisation-act-passed-by-parliament/
DVSC launch approaches as veteran suicide reforms hang in the balance
Cited text: Lambie also made one recommendation the government would be wise to take up: move the commission out of the Defence portfolio and into PM&C.
Excerpt: Some experts suggest moving the commission out of the Defence portfolio and into the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet would provide greater institutional clout
https://www.themandarin.com.au/2993...-veteran-suicide-reforms-hang-in-the-balance/
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide | Defence Ministers
Cited text: Further, in November 2024, the Chief of the Defence Force issued a directive relating to recommendations 18—21 from the Royal Commission for the need ...
Excerpt: The Chief of the Defence Force has issued directives about suspension and involuntary separation for serious misconduct, and Defence has implemented a presumption of discharge for members convicted of sexual and related offences
https://www.minister.defence.gov.au...royal-commission-into-defence-veteran-suicide
Action on Royal Commission recommendations | Department of Veterans' Affairs
Cited text: · The new Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 brings together the 3 current systems governing v...
Excerpt: The new Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 brings together three current systems governing veterans' entitlements under a single Act
https://www.dva.gov.au/newsroom/vet...-2025/action-royal-commission-recommendations
Government response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Final Report | Department of Veterans' Affairs
Cited text: The 2024—25 Budget included an additional $6.5 billion for income support and compensation over five years from 2023—24 through to 2027—26, of which $...
Excerpt: The 2024-25 Budget included an additional $6.5 billion for income support and compensation over five years, with $2.2 billion already paid in 2023-24
https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-...ion-defence-and-veteran-suicides-final-report
Defense, Veterans' Commission Launches Operations | Mirage News
Cited text: Families of veterans who have died by suicide have made it clear they expect this body to be at arm's length from Government. That is why the Governme...
Excerpt: Families of veterans who have died by suicide have made it clear they expect this body to be at arm's length from Government, which is why the Government plans standalone legislation with a Commissioner appointed by the Governor-General
https://www.miragenews.com/defense-veterans-commission-launches-operations-1542292/
Government response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Final Report | Department of Veterans' Affairs
Cited text: · The Government’s response marks the beginning of a substantial and long-term program of reform across Defence, DVA and the veteran support system.Th...
Excerpt: The Government's response marks the beginning of a substantial and long-term program of reform across Defence, DVA and the veteran support system, with the DVSC providing independent oversight to drive better outcomes
https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-...ion-defence-and-veteran-suicides-final-report
DVSC launch approaches as veteran suicide reforms hang in the balance
Cited text: There is an array of other institutional innovations and reforms that implement the scores of royal commission recommendations across government, but ...
Excerpt: There's recognition that the whole reform program hangs in the balance on the commission doing all its jobs well, including making life difficult for Defence and DVA by highlighting their failures and providing hard evidence of what needs…
https://www.themandarin.com.au/2993...-veteran-suicide-reforms-hang-in-the-balance/
DVSC launch approaches as veteran suicide reforms hang in the balance
Cited text: And all the while, they’ll have to be managing expectations, especially from veterans’ families, who will constantly demand ever faster, even more agg...
Excerpt: Veterans' families will constantly demand faster, more aggressive action, making this 'one tough gig'
https://www.themandarin.com.au/2993...-veteran-suicide-reforms-hang-in-the-balance/
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