About the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (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 Australian Government established the DVSC as a new Non-corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) on 29 September 2025 in response to the key recommendation of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Key functions of the DVSC include: monitoring, inquiring and reporting on issues relevant to suicide and suicidality for serving and ex-serving ADF members; monitoring, inquiring and reporting on the implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission, improving supports for serving and ex-serving ADF members, working with coroners to understand issues contributing to Defence and veteran deaths by suicide, and promoting an understanding of suicide risks and wellbeing for Defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experience. Working at the DVSC As a new agency, the DVSC is now recruiting staff and capabilities and will continue to do so over the coming year. You have an opportunity to join us now where your expertise can help influence and shape our strategy in support of the Commissioner's independent oversight of wide-ranging reforms across the Defence and veteran ecosystem. We are looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff with a range of capabilities, who demonstrate integrity, independence and compassion. A key focus of the DVSC's work is the prevention of suicide and suicidality. While the DVSC has a proactive wellbeing program, applicants are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances when applying for this role. Applicants can familiarise themselves with the findings and recommendations of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide for further information. The DVSC is an independent agency. We are currently physically located in Canberra, within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under a shared service arrangement. While we transition our employment framework, the successful candidate may be on-boarded via the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and subsequently transitioned to the DVSC. Employment with the DVSC is offered under the Public Service (Terms and Conditions of Employment) (Defence and Veterans' Service Commission) Determination 2025. About the Role The Senior Inquiries and Investigations Officer will work as part of a small team, contributing to the Commissioner's statutory inquiry functions. The DVSC will inquire into matters relating to systemic reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing for serving and ex-serving ADF members. The team will conduct inquiries, including special inquiries, that may be initiated by the Commissioner or requested by the Minister. The process of conducting an inquiry will involve information-gathering, hearings of the Commission in some cases, and the preparation of inquiry reports and recommendations. Located in the Inquiries and Legal branch of the DVSC and reporting to the Assistant Director of Inquiries, the Senior Inquiries and Investigations Officer will undertake inquiries in line with agency procedures, support the operation of public and private hearings, use information-gathering powers to collect and analyse evidence and data, engage with stakeholders and witnesses, maintain inquiry records and databases, and prepare high quality documents including papers, legal notices, voluntary and compulsory information requests, correspondence, reports, and briefs. The key duties of the position include Our ideal candidate We are looking for one or more motivated Senior Inquiries and Investigations Officers with: Demonstrated inquiry or investigations skills, or the capacity to quickly acquire them, who can apply technical knowledge and analytical skills in a dynamic environment Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, the ability to communicate with influence, and prepare high quality written correspondence, briefs and reports Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of, interpret and apply the Commission's enabling legislation and other relevant legislation Ability to undertake research and interpret and apply, policies and procedures in complex matters, with excellent attention to detail Ability to work flexibly and effectively, both independently and as part of a team, including during times of uncertainty and high pressure Commitment to uphold the APS Code of Conduct, APS Values, and to always ensure the independence and impartiality of the DVSC Demonstrated professional skills in engaging stakeholders and witnesses, with an understanding of trauma informed engagement and communication Ability to accurately maintain inquiry records and databases. Qualifications / Experience The following is required: Relevant professional experience and/or tertiary qualifications in one or more relevant capability areas, such as law, regulation, public policy, Cert IV in Government Investigations or similar. The following is highly regarded: At least 2 years' relevant professional experience. Relevant experience includes working: For a government entity that required conducting research, drafting, or contributing to the development of policy, or the interpretation or application of Australian legislation Within a regulatory or oversight context as an investigator or assisting with complex projects Professionally within a legal context that required undertaking legal analysis or drafting.
