Section 1 — Armed Forces Commissioner

(1) After section 365A of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (referred to in this Act as “AFA 2006”) insert—Armed Forces CommissionerArmed Forces Commissioner365AA (1) There is to be an Armed Forces Commissioner. (2) The functions of the Commissioner are— (a) the general function of— (i) promoting the welfare of persons subject to service law and relevant family members (as defined by section 340IA(4)), and (ii) improving the public’s understanding of the welfare issues faced by persons subject to service law and relevant family members, and (b) the other functions conferred by or under this Act or by any other enactment. (3) The general function referred to in subsection (2)(a) is to be carried out in whatever ways the Commissioner considers best calculated to advance the objectives mentioned in subsection (2)(a)(i) and (ii). (4) The Commissioner may do anything that the Commissioner considers is calculated to facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the carrying out of any of the Commissioner’s functions. (5) The power in subsection (4) is subject to any restrictions imposed by or under this Act or any other enactment. (6) Schedule 14ZA makes further provision with respect to the Commissioner.

(2) The office of Service Complaints Ombudsman is abolished.

(3) Accordingly, omit section 365B of AFA 2006 (and the italic heading before it).

(4) Schedule 1 inserts Schedule 14ZA to AFA 2006 and makes amendments of other legislation related to the establishment of the Armed Forces Commissioner.