Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

The National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide bills that are currently before the Senate give effect to the Prime Minister's announcement that the inquiry into Defence and veterans' suicide prevention will have inquiry powers broadly equivalent to a royal commission while also being established as an enduring function. Royal commissions are time limited and do not have an ability to monitor the implementation of the recommendations. In contrast, the national commissioner will be able to monitor the implementation in order to ensure accountability and build on prevention and on Defence and veteran wellbeing strategies into the future. The bills also provide a range of improvements compared to the Royal Commissions Act to ensure the national commissioner has appropriate powers.

Question agreed to.