The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Annabelle Wilson as Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner for a five-year term commencing 6 August 2025. 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, and is already an effective advocate for our veteran families. She brings considerable experience and expertise to this vital role, with current leadership positions at Melbourne Legacy and the Institute of Veteran Advocacy, backed by extensive voluntary work across Ex Service Organisations, including during the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Ms Wilson 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. 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, and serves as a member of both the Repatriation and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commissions, which oversee and administer the veteran and family entitlement schemes. This position remains critical as the Albanese Government continues work to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission. Ms Wilson’s appointment follows a successful and energetic term from the inaugural Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, Ms Gwen Cherne, and the Albanese Government thanks Ms Cherne for her steadfast determination on behalf of veteran families.
