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Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Act 2026
No. 27, 2026
In force
Administered by
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
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C2026A00027
01 April 2026
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Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
2 Commencement
3 Object of this Act
4 Simplified outline of this Act
5 Application of this Act
6 Crown to be bound
7 Definitions
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Part 2—The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission
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Division 1—Introduction
8 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—The Commissioner
9 The Commissioner
10 Functions of the Commissioner
11 Powers of the Commissioner
12 Independence of the Commissioner
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Division 3—The Commission
13 The Commission
14 Functions of the Commission
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Part 3—Inquiries by the Commissioner
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Division 1—Introduction
15 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—Inquiries
16 Inquiries on own initiative
17 Inquiries into or advice on specified matters on request by Minister
18 Inquiries into implementation of Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission recommendations
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Division 3—Conduct of inquiries
19 Notice of inquiry
20 Commissioner may invite submissions
21 Submissions may be made publicly available
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Division 4—Inquiry reports
22 Draft inquiry reports
23 Opportunity to respond must be given before including certain information in draft inquiry report
24 Final inquiry reports
25 Requirements for final inquiry reports
26 Tabling of final inquiry reports and Commonwealth Government responses
27 Follow-up action on final inquiry reports
28 Certain information not to be included in inquiry reports
29 Classified information reports
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Division 5—Information gathering powers for special inquiries
30 Determining inquiry is a special inquiry
31 Summons
32 Evidence on oath or by affirmation
33 Commissioner may require information etc.
34 Entry to premises etc.
35 Power to obtain access to documents etc. by remote means
36 Search warrants
37 Application for search warrants by telephone or electronic means
38 Witnesses subject to questioning
39 Witness expenses and allowances
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Part 4—Information management
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Division 1—Introduction
40 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—Hearings etc.
41 Hearings
42 Private hearings
43 Disclosure of evidence given at private hearing
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Division 3—Disclosure of information
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Subdivision A—Disclosure of information to the Commissioner or entrusted persons
44 Disclosure of information to the Commissioner—Commonwealth
45 Disclosure of information to the Commissioner—States and Territories
46 Arrangements for obtaining and protecting intelligence information
47 Application of this Act in relation to current and former IGIS officials
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Subdivision B—Disclosure of information by the Commissioner or entrusted persons
48 Commissioner may disclose information (other than intelligence information)
49 Commissioner may disclose intelligence information
50 Commissioner may make public statements
51 Entrusted persons may disclose protected information
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Division 4—Information handling
52 Commissioner may retain documents or things
53 When documents and things must be returned
54 Non-publication directions
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Part 5—Offences and protections for persons providing information to the Commissioner
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Division 1—Introduction
55 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—Geographical jurisdiction for offences
56 Geographical jurisdiction for offences
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Division 3—Offences relating to special inquiries
57 Failure to attend hearing, give information or produce documents etc.
58 False or misleading information or documents
59 Destroying documents or things
60 Legal professional privilege
61 Offences relating to claims for legal professional privilege
62 Self-incrimination
63 Failure to provide facilities or assistance
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Division 4—Offences and protections relating to persons providing information
64 Victimisation of witnesses
65 Protection for persons providing information to the Commissioner
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Division 5—Contempt
66 Contempt of Commissioner
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Division 6—Offences relating to unauthorised publication, use or disclosure etc.
67 False or misleading evidence or documents at a hearing
68 Unauthorised disclosure of draft inquiry reports etc.
69 Publication in contravention of non-publication direction
70 Unauthorised use or disclosure of protected information
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Part 6—Administrative provisions
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Division 1—Introduction
71 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—Appointment of Commissioner
72 Appointment of Commissioner
73 Acting appointments
74 Remuneration and allowances
75 Leave of absence
76 Other paid work
77 Disclosure of interests
78 Resignation
79 Termination of appointment
80 Other terms and conditions
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Division 3—Deputy Commissioners
81 Deputy Commissioners
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Division 4—Assistant Commissioners
82 Assistant Commissioners
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Division 5—Staff and consultants etc.
83 Staff
84 Contractors
85 Persons assisting
86 Consultants
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Division 6—Annual report by Commissioner
87 Annual report
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Part 7—Miscellaneous
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Division 1—Introduction
88 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—Miscellaneous
89 Delegation by Commissioner—general
90 Delegation by Commissioner—particular inquiry
91 Eligible Judges
92 Duty of accountable authority etc. to assist Commissioner
93 Protection of Commissioner etc.
94 Administrative Review Tribunal
95 Review of the operation of this Act
96 Rules