Melbourne veteran with 38 years' Army service helping shape national reform

The Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner has welcomed the commencement of the Commissioner's Advisory Group, bringing together veterans, serving Defence Force members, family representatives and experts from across Australia to help inform the Commission's work to strengthen wellbeing outcomes for veterans and families. 

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner, Penny McKay, said the establishment of the Advisory Group reflects the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide's vision for independent oversight informed by lived experience, professional expertise and community insight.  

“The Royal Commission made clear that lasting reform requires engagement with the defence and veteran community. The Advisory Group helps ensure the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) remains connected to the real experiences of serving members, veterans and families as we undertake our oversight role," Commissioner McKay said. 

"Each member brings unique experiences, expertise and perspectives. Collectively, the Group is providing valuable advice to help the DVSC remain informed by the realities of service life, transition, veteran wellbeing and family experiences."

During its inaugural meeting, the Advisory Group discussed a range of issues affecting the wellbeing of serving members, veterans and families, and the Commission's role in influencing lasting system-wide reform.  

Members received an update from the Commissioner on the DVSC's current priorities. These include: 

• two in-progress inquiries – the Access to Information Inquiry and an inquiry into the Australian Government's response to the Royal Commission's recommendations 

• preparing for the Military Sexual Violence inquiry – due to formally commence later this year, and  

• ongoing engagement with the Defence and veteran community. 

Members shared insights on emerging challenges facing the veteran community, including: 

• support for transition from military to civilian life  

• continuity of healthcare, and  

• interactions with civilian justice systems.  

The Group discussed emerging research and evidence relating to veteran wellbeing, including:  

• the important 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 Advisory Group also discussed the Commission's current Inquiry into the Government's Implementation of the 135 Royal Commission recommendations, including consideration of Recommendation 71, which was noted by Government. Members shared practical insights into veterans' experiences accessing healthcare services, including perspectives on the proposed $5,000 cap on allied health services and administrative processes affecting both veterans and healthcare providers. 

Mr Robert Jericevich served in the Australian Army for 38 years, reaching the senior rank of Warrant Officer Class One, Regimental Sergeant Major. He completed multiple overseas deployments and operational service in East Timor, Solomon Islands and Afghanistan and domestic responses including COVID-19 and Bushfire Assist. He has served with distinction, in multiple leadership roles within Command teams across Australia, and brings both lived and professional experience and expertise, in the areas of veteran wellbeing, welfare and transition. Mr Jericevich is currently based in Melbourne.

Mr Jericevich said that having served 38 years in Army, and medically separating due to a work-related illness, he found himself unexpectedly navigating the DVA and it was frustrating. He promised himself he would look for ways to improve things. When his advocate sent him the link to apply to join, and said "I think you'd be perfect for this", he jumped at the chance. He is proud to have been selected for this important role and will give it his best.

"My first impression of the inaugural meeting was that there was a real depth and breadth of experience in the room, with everyone there for the right reasons. I always said I don't want to be part of a talk fest, I am here to get things done. And that was the general feeling across the group. Action is exactly what the veteran community deserves," Mr Jericevich said.

The Commissioner’s Advisory Group provides the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner with specialist, technical, professional, lived and living experience advice. The Group is comprised of 16 members, who bring a mix of skills, experience and expertise; twelve appointed members alongside 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. 

“Our advisory group members are already bringing valuable perspectives on issues affecting serving members, veterans and families,” Commissioner McKay said.