Veterans advisory group includes 16 members
A veterans advisory group formed to guide the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission has held its first meeting, with members raising concerns about healthcare, transition to civilian life and mental health stigma.
The Commissioner’s Advisory Group, convened in Canberra on 7th August 2026, has 16 members: 12 appointed members and standing representatives from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the National Suicide Prevention Office.
Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Penny McKay said the group was intended to keep the commission connected to the experiences of serving members, veterans and families as it carries out its oversight role. “The Royal Commission made clear that lasting reform requires engagement with the defence and veteran community,” McKay said.
Issues raised at first meeting
Members were briefed on two in-progress inquiries: the Access to Information Inquiry and an inquiry into the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations. They also received an update on preparations for a Military Sexual Violence inquiry due to formally commence later in 2026.
Discussion at the inaugural meeting also covered continuity of healthcare, interactions with civilian justice systems, the role families play as a protective factor, the impacts of moral injury, intergenerational effects of military service, and barriers to help-seeking created by mental health stigma.
The group also discussed the commission’s inquiry into the government’s implementation of the 135 Royal Commission recommendations, including Recommendation 71, which was noted by Government. According to the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission, members shared practical insights on veterans’ access to healthcare services, including views on a proposed $5,000 cap on allied health services and administrative processes affecting veterans and healthcare providers.
The advisory group will meet again in December 2026. The commission’s first progress report on the government’s response to the Royal Commission is due by 5th February 2027.
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