Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lambie for her question. I can confirm for Senator Lambie and the Senate that legislation will shortly be introduced by the Attorney-General to set up the office of the permanent commissioner. As I said, the interim commissioner will be appointed shortly to implement that work, so—

Senator Lambie interjecting—

Senator Lambie, would you like me to finish? What I can confirm is that, once appointed by the Attorney-General, the national commissioner will work to identify and undertake the factors and the systemic issues that may contribute to suicide risk amongst serving and former members. They will have all of the powers of a royal commissioner. The government has been acting on this and, as I said, the Attorney-General will be introducing legislation shortly to set up this position.