Williamtown veteran and former Army chaplain helping shape national veteran 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. 

Reverend Kevin O’Sullivan, who served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for over 37 years, including 13 years as an Air Force chaplain, is a member of the inaugural Advisory Group. Reverend O’Sullivan has advised ADF Command on existential crises and moral injury, whilst also teaching Military Ethics to junior leaders in the ADF. Over his time as a chaplain, he was deployed to the Middle East and worked in leadership roles at RAAF Wagga and RAAF Williamtown. He is presently based in Sale and looking to return to Newcastle to retire next year.  

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide exposed deep systemic failures, but Reverend O'Sullivan said the true test of this historic probe is ensuring its recommendations spark the reform needed.

As a former Air Force Chaplain, Reverend O’Sullivan has lived these systemic issues at the individual and collective human level.  

Reverend O'Sullivan said he himself forward as a candidate for the Commissioner’s Advisory Group to ensure meaningful and permanent change will occur.
 
“Those who serve our nation do so under a contract of unlimited liability—they risk everything. In return, they deserve an ecosystem that fiercely protects their wellbeing. My background combines high-level moral accountability with direct lived experience, giving me a unique insight into the exact leadership and cultural shifts needed to optimise psychosocial systems for human wellbeing and to save lives.” Reverend O'Sullivan 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.  

"One of the Commission's priorities is ensuring we hear from a diverse range of voices, including people whose experiences are not always represented through formal consultation processes.”