A simple belief guides Annabelle Wilson’s work: families deserve systems that show up when they are needed most.
This ethos is informed by the challenges she has overcome as a widow of a veteran, and the years she has spent serving the veteran community. Before becoming the Veteran Family Commissioner in August 2025, Annabelle served as the Chief Operating Officer at Melbourne Legacy, an organisation founded upon the promise to look after families of veterans.
After her husband Josh died of brain cancer in 2017 at age 31, her grassroots advocacy influenced national policy, including a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing for the brain cancer drug Avastin. Although Annabelle didn't stop there, she fought to see policy changes that underpins the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Acute Support Package — the only support available through DVA that can provide practical support and services directly to eligible family members, helping them navigate challenging circumstances without needing the veteran to access support on their behalf.
I am deeply committed to meaningfully representing families of veterans, just like mine. I see myself as a bridge between lived experience and government policy.
As your Veteran Family Commissioner, Annabelle brings lived experience to the conversations that help shape government policy. Working hand in glove with the Repatriation Commissioner, Kahlil Fegan AM DSC, Annabelle ensures families are seen, heard, and supported.
Annabelle’s role as the Veteran Family Commissioner is to:
- Champion equity and accessibility for all families impacted by ADF service
- Identify systemic issues raised by the community and advocate for reform
- Push for the removal of barriers and roadblocks to lasting change
- Escalate individual cases within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs where further attention is needed
- Provide evidence-based policy advice informed by lived experience
- Build strong partnerships through stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
As a Commissioner, Annabelle is independent of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
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