The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on our response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide through swift action on key recommendations.
The Albanese Government has appointed Mr Michael Manthorpe PSM as the Interim Head of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission. Mr Manthorpe will head the interim organisation and work across government to deliver the establishment of a legislated oversight body by September 2025.
This appointment is a significant milestone in implementing recommendation 122 of the Royal Commission's Final Report.
Mr Manthorpe has served in the Australian Public Service for 37 years, including as Commonwealth Ombudsman, which incorporates the roles of Defence Force Ombudsman, among others, from 2017 to 2021.
The Albanese Government is committed to the delivery of the entity which will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to improve suicide prevention, and drive better outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF personnel.
As part of the Albanese Government's response to the Royal Commission, we have committed $9.5 million of funding, as part of MYEFO, to support its implementation, including:
- $5 million over two years to fund the appointment of the Interim Head of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission, and to establish a cross‑agency taskforce to provide advice to Government; and
- $4.5 million in 2024-25 to fund consultations for both a new agency within DVA focused on veteran wellbeing and a new peak body for ex-service organisations.
