Opened the debate
Chisholm moved the second reading of the bills, stating they implemented Recommendation 122 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide by creating an independent oversight body. Chisholm explained that the legislation moved the Commission from the Defence Act into standalone legislation to reflect its independence and incorporate Senate committee recommendations. Chisholm highlighted that the bills strengthened the Commissioner's powers, including witness protections and the ability to conduct inquiries without ministerial direction, except in specific cases. Chisholm noted that the Commissioner would be appointed via a merit-based process and must not have served in the ADF within the previous five years. Chisholm argued that these measures would ensure accountability and drive sustained reform to improve wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving members.