4Simplified outline of this Act

4  Simplified outline of this Act

This Act provides for the appointment of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner, and establishes the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission.

The Commissioner has a range of functions relating to preventing suicide and suicidality among veterans.

The Commission’s function is to assist the Commissioner.

The Commissioner may conduct inquiries, including into the Commonwealth’s implementation of the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission.

The Commissioner is independent and may perform their functions, and exercise their powers, both within and outside Australia.

The Commissioner may determine a particular inquiry to be a special inquiry and has coercive information gathering powers in relation to special inquiries.

Part 4 deals with information management, including requirements relating to the disclosure of information to the Commissioner and by the Commissioner.

Part 5 contains offences and protections for persons who provide information to the Commissioner.

Part 6 deals with administrative matters, including the appointment of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners.

Part 7 contains miscellaneous provisions, including a requirement for a review of the operation of this Act after the third anniversary of the commencement of this Act.

5  Application of this Act

  This Act extends to the external Territories.