Penny McKay: Committed to Transforming Australia's Defence Force Amid Skepticism

Penny McKay, the newly appointed Commissioner for the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC), is on a mission to drive significant reform within Australia’s defence force, aiming to tackle long-standing issues head-on. In her inaugural interview since taking the helm in May, McKay emphasized that this is not merely a matter of fulfilling obligations but a genuine commitment to instigate change that resonates beyond superficial measures.

Her role emerged from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which highlighted alarming rates of self-harm among veterans and active service members, identifying systemic and cultural failures as key contributors to this crisis. McKay, now leading the DVSC from an office close to Parliament House, is determined that the outcomes of the Royal Commission translate into substantial action rather than mere promises.

“We want to be transparent about what we’re doing: our job is to shine a light on what’s happening in defence and related agencies,” McKay stated, underscoring her commitment to accountability and reform. Her first advisory group meeting, which consisted of a diverse set of 16 members from various backgrounds, signaled a clear focus on ensuring that the government is held accountable for implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

The Royal Commission had called for a robust, independent authority with enhanced powers to improve outcomes in suicide prevention and overall wellbeing for current and former military personnel. McKay's role as the Commissioner is pivotal in ensuring that the recommendations made are not only acknowledged but also acted upon with urgency.

McKay acknowledged the skepticism that exists within the community regarding the potential for cultural change within the defence force, admitting, “I understand that these issues are not new; they are long-standing.” While she refrained from making grand promises, she expressed her dedication, saying, “We will try our damnedest to do it.”

One of the foremost issues McKay plans to address is military sexual violence, with plans for an independent inquiry set to commence later this year. She anticipates hearing distressing accounts from individuals with lived experiences, emphasizing the need for real change in how these matters are handled. “What I would say to anyone who has experienced military sexual violence is that it’s unacceptable, and we want to make recommendations that will lead to real change,” she affirmed.

While a timeline for the inquiry’s first hearings remains unannounced, the DVSC is actively monitoring the progress of the Royal Commission’s 122 recommendations. Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh previously indicated that 32 recommendations have been implemented, with hopes that two-thirds will be addressed by the year's end. However, McKay is cautious, noting that some recommendations reported as fully implemented may not be perceived that way by the Commission.

With a strong legal background but no prior experience within the defence sector, McKay believes her outsider perspective is an asset, free from potential conflicts of interest. Her personal connections to the military—being married to a serviceman for 20 years and raising four children within a military family—enhance her understanding of the issues at hand.

As she prepares for a tenure that could last five years, McKay plans to measure her success through three main criteria: trust within the veteran community, tangible structural changes, and visible improvements on the ground. “If I can gain a level of trust among veterans and their families… and if they see positive changes, then I will consider that a success,” she stated, emphasizing her long-term commitment to the role.

Ultimately, Penny McKay’s focus is clear: to foster lasting change and accountability within Australia’s defence force, ensuring that the needs of veterans and active service members are prioritized and addressed effectively.

Source: www.abc.net.au