Recently retired members of the Australian Defence Force will be ineligible to head up a new commission tasked with improving the wellbeing of veterans.
As the Albanese government gets on with implementing recommendations from the royal commission into defence and veteran suicide, laws will put caveats on who is able to lead the body.
The chief of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission cannot have served in the Australian Defence Force in the past five years preceding the appointment.
Labor made this decision following consultations on how to ensure the commissioner's independence as well as maintaining confidence among the veteran community.
The commission's role will be to provide independent oversight and advice to the federal government on reforms aimed at improving wellbeing for the defence and veteran community, with a focus on suicide prevention.
Recruitment is underway for a commissioner after the body became operational in late September.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh introduced the bill to the House of Representatives on Thursday.
"The enduring nature of the commission will ensure that the voices of our veterans continue to be heard and systemic issues that contribute to suicide in our veteran community are continually reviewed and addressed," he told the parliament.
"It is our nation's duty to empower and support the mental health and wellbeing of our defence and veteran community with a view to reducing the elevated rates of suicide and suicidality.
Mr Keogh said the framework being implemented would give the body's head the tools needed to hold agencies accountable.
"The commission will be a powerful force for change, overseeing sustained improvement in how we protect the lives of those who protect us," he said.
The minister is set to address the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday.
In September, the government laid out its progress on the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Labor accepted the overwhelming majority of the 122 recommendations handed down by the inquiry.
Nine recommendations had been completed, with work under way on a further 110, Mr Keogh previously told the parliament.
