The Department of Veterans' Affairs is a department of the Australian Government, established in 1976, and charged with the responsibility of delivering government programs for veterans, as well as members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police, and their dependants.
The current Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs is Alison Frame, who succeeded Elizabeth Cosson as Secretary on 23 January 2023..
For administrative purposes, the department forms part of the Defence portfolio. The Minister for Defence acts on behalf of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs within the Cabinet.
The head of the department is the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, who is responsible to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Minister for Defence Personnel, and the Assistant Minister for Veterans' Affairs. The secretary of the department also has responsibility for the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.
Operational activities The purpose of the department is to support the wellbeing of those who serve or have served in the defence of Australia, and their families.
The department deals with the following matters: Repatriation income support, compensation and health programmes for veterans, members of the Defence Force, certain mariners and their dependants. Delivering meaningful commemorations, including promotion of understanding of Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans' Day. Maintaining or providing war graves and memorials. Defence Service Homes.
Agencies In carrying out its functions, the department administers the following agencies: Australian War Memorial Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission Office of Australian War Graves Repatriation Commission Repatriation Medical Authority Specialist Medical Review Council Veterans’ Children Education Boards Veterans' Review Board
Key legislation The Department of Veterans' Affairs is responsible for administration of several key Acts:
Key officeholders
Department secretary The Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs is Alison Frame, since 23 January 2023. In addition to her role of departmental secretary, she is also the President of the Repatriation Commission and Chair of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.
Below is a full list of the Department's Secretaries since it was established. Order Official Official title Date appointmentcommenced Date appointmentceased Term in office Notes 1 Sir Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs 1981 years 2 1981 years 3 4 5 1994 1996 years 6 7 2008 years 8 9 July 2013 18 May 2018 10 11 incumbent
Other key officeholders Other key officeholders in the department are the Deputy President of the Repatriation Commission, currently Kate Pope PSM; the Repatriation Commissioner, currently Don Spinks AM; and the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, currently Gwen Cherne
See also Minister for Veterans' Affairs List of Australian Commonwealth Government entities
References
External links Department of Veterans' Affairs website Anzac Portal commemorative website Australia Government Administrative Arrangement Orders