Yesterday I published a critique arguing that the forthcoming Independent Defence and Veteran Services Commission is “set up to fail.” Today, I want to balance the ledger by sharing a reason for optimism.

Last week I met Michael Manthorpe PSM, the Interim Head of the Commission. His background alone is cause for confidence. Mr Manthorpe has served in the Australian Public Service for 37 years, including as the Commonwealth Ombudsman and Defence Force Ombudsman from 2017 to 2021. He worked at Deputy Secretary level in the then departments of education, employment and workplace relations, and in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and its predecessor agency from 2009 to 2017.

What I took away from our conversation without including anything confidential was:

• A measured view of timing
• The Commission is aiming to open on 29 September 2025.
• Mr Manthorpe made it clear this will be a phased rollout; full capability will grow step-by-step rather than spring up overnight.
• Openness to thoughtful “scope creep”
• Instead of blocking every new idea, he favours iterative expansion, provided each addition delivers tangible benefits for veterans and their families in what he sees as a very broad subject, wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Strong, solution-oriented dialogue with Parliament

Mr Manthorpe’s submission to the Senate FADT Legislation Committee is one of the most practical, result-driven submissions I’ve seen. (Download it directly here: http://bit.ly/44cYpNt)

Looking ahead

Mr Manthorpe is steering the ship in the interim; a permanent Commissioner is expected to be named later this year.

He has inherited Schedule 9 as the blueprint for standing up the Commission, and the process challenges there remain significant.

Still, if anyone can navigate those hurdles, it’s him, and I wish him every success.