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DUTY STATEMENT
Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention
DUTY STATEMENT
The National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention (National Commissioner) is
being established by the Australian Government to:
inquire into the circumstances of Australian Defence Force (ADF) member and veteran deaths
by suicide
make finding and recommendations following such inquiries; and
to promote understanding of suicide risks for ADF member and veterans and improving the
wellbeing of defence members and veterans.
The National Commissioner will be an independent statutory office holder appointed by the
Governor-General under the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Act
(pending the passage of the Bill through Parliament).
The Interim National Commissioner is being appointed by the Australian Government pending the
passage of legislation and formal appointment of a National Commissioner as outlined above.
The Interim National Commissioner will be assisted in their role by staff from the Commonwealth
Attorney-General’s Department who will form the staff of the Office of the National Commissioner,
including an Official Secretary, who will support the Interim National Commissioner in the execution
of their role.
It is expected that the Interim National Commissioner will:
conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the APS Values and Code of Conduct; and
acquire and maintain an Australian Government security clearance.
Responsibilities
The key duties of the Interim National Commissioner (and subsequently the National Commissioner)
include:
Executing the functions and powers of the Office of the National Commissioner
Examining ADF member and veteran deaths by suicide, in order to support the prevention of future
such deaths, including by:
Engaging with stakeholders through formal and informal mechanisms
Ensuring the application of a trauma-informed and restorative approach to the work
Commencing the Independent Review of Past Defence and Veteran Suicides (detailed below).
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DUTY STATEMENT – Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention
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Engaging with families and others directly affected in a trauma informed and restorative way
Ensuring the interests and needs of families and others closely affected by ADF member and veteran
deaths by suicide at the core of policies, procedure and practice, including by:
Ensuring a trauma-informed and restorative approach
Closely and effectively engaging with families, ADF members, veterans and others affected
by ADF member or veteran deaths by suicide, recognising the unique contribution they have
to make to properly understanding, and addressing, member and veteran suicide deaths
Engaging, as appropriate, with ADF members or veterans with a lived experience of suicidality
or attempted suicide, recognising the unique contribution they have to make to properly
understanding the factors relevant to ADF member and veteran suicide deaths; and
Supporting a trauma informed ‘no wrong door’ approach for families engaging with both
coronial processes and the Office of the National Commissioner; and
Appropriately taking into account the contribution of families, ADF members, veterans and
others closely affected when setting inquiry agendas and making recommendations.
Fostering productive working relationships
Actively developing and fostering productive working relationships with:
Families, ADF members and veterans and those with lived experience as outlined above
Representative groups within the veteran community, including ex-service organisations and
support groups
Commonwealth mental health advisors including the National Mental Health Commissioner,
Suicide Prevention Advisor, and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health
Relevant health and wellbeing service providers, including Open Arms
The Veteran Family Advocate to ensure that findings and recommendations are rapidly
translated into action to mitigate risks factors associated with the Department of Veterans’
Affair service delivery
Research and expert bodies such as the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
State and territory Coroners and the National Coronial Centre to enhance reciprocal insights
and learnings to support the prevention of further ADF member and veteran deaths by
suicide; and
Commonwealth agencies who have a role in the experiences of ADF members and veterans,
or the investigation of their deaths, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the
Department of Defence, the Inspector-General of the Australia Defence Force (IGADF),
Comcare, and the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
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Conducting the Independent Review of Past Defence and Veteran Suicides
Conducting an Independent Review of Past Defence and Veteran Suicides examining historical defence
member and veterans deaths by suicide in accordance with the Terms of Reference provided by
Government, including:
Gathering and analysing information to understand the systemic issues and risk and
protective factors for suicide among ADF members and veteran communities which may
include seeking public submissions, conducting hearings (pending the passage of legislation)
and round tables, commissioning research and engaging with experts, families and those with
lived experience
Collaborating with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian
Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care who are undertaking data analysis and
research to support the Independent Review
Formulating recommendations and advice to Government including more tailored and
effective strategies to help prevent further ADF member and veteran deaths by suicide; and
Delivering an interim and final report to Government, within 12 and 18 months respectively.
CONDITIONS FOR THE POSITION
The position is available for immediate commencement until a permanent National Commissioner
appointment is made following the passage of legislation.
Remuneration
s 47E(c)
Remuneration for the
permanent National Commissioner will be set by the Remuneration Tribunal,47E (c), 47F(1)
Remuneration for the Interim National Commissioner is to be negotiated with the candidate
accordingly (including arrangements as to superannuation, leave and allowances).
Office location
This is a Canberra based role. The Office of the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran
Suicide Prevention is in Barton, Canberra. Relocation allowance would be available if interstate
relocation was required.
s 47E(c)
Registration to work with vulnerable people is also required.
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