OFFICIAL
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
1 August, 2025
APPOINTMENT OF NEW VETERAN FAMILY ADVOCATE COMMISSIONER
The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Annabelle Wilson as Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner from 6 August 2025 for five years.
Ms Wilson will make an outstanding Commissioner and is already an effective advocate for our veteran families.
Ms Wilson is both the widow of a veteran and a respected champion for the veteran community, recognised for her empathy, drive and evidence-driven approach.
The job of the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner is a vital one as the Albanese Government continues work to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The Commissioner is tasked with giving voice to veterans and their families, providing strategic policy advice and fostering cooperation between government agencies and the veteran community.
The Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner is a member of both the Repatriation and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commissions, which oversee and administer the veteran and family entitlement schemes.
Ms Wilson brings considerable experience and expertise to these important functions.
Her current leadership roles at Melbourne Legacy and the Institute of Veteran Advocacy are backed by extensive voluntary work across Ex Service Organisations, including during the work of the Royal Commission.
She also brings a strong personal connection to the role, following the untimely death of her husband, Royal Australian Air Force veteran Josh Chalmers, in 2017.
Her appointment follows a successful and energetic term from the inaugural Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, Ms Gwen Cherne.
The Albanese Government thanks Ms Cherne for her steadfast determination on behalf of veteran families.
MEDIA CONTACT:
DVA Media: [email protected]
Authorised by The Hon Matt Keogh MP.
Contact details:
DVA Media: [email protected]