Assistant Commissioner, Inquiries and Legal, Defence and Veterans' Service Commission

Job Key Information Ongoing  Non‑ongoing – up to 24 months SES Band 1 plus 15.4% superannuation Canberra, ACT Application Closing Date: Monday 24-Nov-2025 at 11:30pm AEDT Classification & Employment Type SES Band 1 Employment Type: Ongoing & Non‑ongoing (for a period up to 24 months). The initial contract may be less than 2 years and may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2‑year limit. A non‑ongoing offer may be converted to an ongoing offer within 18 months from the advertisement opening date. About the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) The DVSC provides independent oversight and evidence‑based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex‑serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The DVSC was established on 29 September 2025 in response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Key Functions of the DVSC Monitoring, inquiring and reporting on suicide and suicidality issues for ADF members. Monitoring the implementation of the Government’s response to the DVSC recommendations. Improving supports for serving and ex‑serving ADF members. Working with coroners to understand contributory suicide factors. Promoting understanding of suicide risks and wellbeing for Defence members and veterans, including engaging people with lived experience. The DVSC has powers akin to a Royal Commission, including conducting hearings, issuing summons, and obtaining search warrants. Working at the DVSC The DVSC is a new agency with two SES Band 1 officers reporting to the Deputy Commissioner. The role offers the opportunity to shape strategy and influence reforms across the Defence and veteran ecosystem. Role Overview As Assistant Commissioner, Inquiries and Legal you will oversee inquiries into suicidality, prevention and wellbeing for serving and ex‑serving ADF members. You will manage two functional areas: Inquiries and Legal. Responsibilities – Inquiries Provide strategic advice and leadership of the DVSC’s inquiries function. Support the Commissioner in monitoring, inquiring and reporting on: Data and trends regarding ADF suicide and suicidality. Systemic factors relating to Australian Government policies, programmes, systems and practices. The state of the Defence and veteran ecosystem. Utilise DVSC powers to conduct public and private hearings for special inquiries. Responsibilities – Legal Provide strategic advice and leadership of the DVSC’s legal function, with the General Counsel reporting to you. Key areas include: Legal advice to the Commission and Commissioner (corporate, external providers). Legislative reform and statutory interpretation. Legal and inquiry policy and procedure. Managing litigation arising from the Commission’s work. Referral of briefs of evidence for prosecution. Freedom of Information. Privacy. Public interest disclosure. Ideal Candidate Outstanding leadership, guiding the Inquiries and Legal branch through a dynamic period. Upholds DVSC independence, impartiality and professionalism with integrity. Provides strategic direction for inquiries, legal advice and external engagement. Experience in criminal and/or administrative law, investigations, prosecutions, Royal Commissions or similar processes. Provides independent, accurate, evidence‑based advice to the Commissioner. Demonstrates critical thinking and effective stakeholder relationships. Qualifications & Experience Required Professional experience in government inquiries, hearings, reviews or investigations, including but not limited to: Royal Commissions or independent reviews. Own motion inquiries. Criminal, administrative or regulatory investigations. Administrative reviews. Coronial inquiries. Desirable Tertiary qualifications or demonstrated experience in one or more relevant capability areas (e.g., law). Professional experience managing an in‑house legal function. Flexible Work The DVSC recognises flexible work arrangements. Contact the officer to explore part‑time, variable hours or work‑from‑home options. Eligibility Citizenship: Australian citizen; waiver only in exceptional circumstances. Employment Suitability: Nationally coordinated criminal history check; 6‑month probation if new to APS. Security Clearance: Negative Vetting 2 level required; see AGSVA for details. Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP): Some roles require WWVP registration card as per the 2011 Act. How to Apply Submit an online application via the Apply link by 11:30pm AEDT on Monday, 24‑Nov‑2025. Application requirements: Your current résumé (max four pages). The name and contact details of two referees, one of which should be your current supervisor. A statement of claims (max 1,000 words) describing how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant. When drafting your statement, highlight your experience and accomplishments. Refer to the Secretaries Charter of Leadership Behaviours – DRIVE for guidance. Contact Officer Amanda O’Rourke, Executive Search – Note: This is an unclassified web‑based recruitment system; do not include classified or sensitive information in your application. #J-18808-Ljbffr