The Commission is a new, Non-corporate Commonwealth entity created in response to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Commission’s purpose is to provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on system reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.

The Commission will commence on 29 September 2025.

The Commissioner will be the accountable authority of the Commission and will be expected to perform their functions independently of government. The Commissioner will provide agency leadership to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem, including exercising the legislative powers and functions as set out in the legislation, and upholding the independence and integrity of the Commission at all times. The Commissioner will develop and maintain effective working relationships and strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders in the Defence and veterans’ ecosystem, including with people with lived experience of suicide and suicidality.

Applicant information

Expressions of interest are invited from eligible and suitably qualified persons. The successful applicant will be appointed as Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner on a full-time basis and for a period not exceeding five years.

A Candidate Information Pack containing further information about the Commission, the role of the Commissioner, remuneration, eligibility and selection criteria, and details on how to apply, is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website. Applicants are encouraged to view this information pack before submitting their application.

Applications must be submitted using the online recruitment system: https://www.beaumontandbeaumont.com.au/11531 by 11.30pm AEST on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

You are required to provide a statement of no more than 1,000 words outlining your background, skills and experience and how they relate to the requirements of the role. You will also need to submit a resume that outlines your career history, qualifications and achievements.

For further questions after reviewing the CIP or if you need assistance with the application process, please contact Lionel Riley on (02) 6126 4500 or via [email protected]. Enquiries will be kept in strict confidence.