Senior Inquiries and Investigations Officer, Defence and Veterans' Service Commission

Location: Canberra, ACT

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 29 October at 11:30pm AEDT

Classification

APS Level 6 ($98,314 - $110,483)

Employment Type

Ongoing & Non-ongoing (Up to a period of 24 months)

This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the PM&C delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for a maximum period of two (2) years. If the initial contract is for less than 2 years, it may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2 year limit.

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.

Flexible Work

At DVSC we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of 'how can we make this work?' and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.

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

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.

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.

Eligibility

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At DVSC to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen by the completion of the recruitment process, except under exceptional circumstances.
• The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
• The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.
• Due to the nature of work the DVSC undertakes, some roles may require staff to obtain and maintain a WWVP registration card, as per the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011.

Security Clearance Required

Negative Vetting Level 1 (Secret)

How to apply

Submit an online application through the PM&C Current Opportunities by 11:30pm AEDT on Wednesday 29 October.

As part of your application you will need to provide:

• Your resume (maximum three pages)
• A 'one page pitch (no more than 750 words)' telling us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job and to perform at the relevant classification level.

You are encouraged to refer to the Candidate Pack and the relevant classification level of the PM&C Performance Model to assist you in drafting your one page pitch.

You may also refer to the APSC resource Cracking the Code for further guidance and assistance on applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service.

Contact Officer

Claudia Garner on

Please Note – This is an unclassified web based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one page pitch and resume.