Ch 11 Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Veterans' Affairs Portfolio

A number of agencies make up the Veterans' Affairs portfolio, namely:

• Repatriation Commission
• Department of Veterans' Affairs
• Office of Australian War Graves
• Veterans' Children Education Boards
• Veterans' Review Board
• Australian War Memorial
• Repatriation Medical Authority
• Specialist Medical Review Council.

The Repatriation Commission

The Repatriation Commission is responsible under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 for granting pensions, allowances and other benefits, and providing treatment and other services to veterans, their dependants and other eligible persons. The Commission provides advice to the Minister on matters relating to the operation of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 and, subject to the Minister's control, generally administers the Act.

The Commission has three full-time members appointed by the Governor-General.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)

DVA provides administrative support to the Repatriation Commission in discharging its responsibilities to veterans and other entitled people. The Department administers the Commonwealth Government's commemorations program and the Defence Service Homes Act 1918, under which subsidised loans for housing and housing related benefits are provided to eligible veterans. Since December 1999, DVA has also been responsible for administering the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, which provides benefits to members and ex-members of the Australian Defence Force under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.

Our Mission

DVA exists to serve members of Australia's veteran and defence force communities, war widows and widowers, widows and dependants, through programs of care, compensation, commemoration and defence support services.

Our Vision

To achieve excellence in service delivery.

Our Approach

We will realise our vision by:

• listening
• keeping things simple
• getting things right
• finding timely and appropriate solutions.

We monitor and report publicly on our performance.

Our Values

We honour those who have served in defence of our nation, respect the service of the Australian Defence Force and uphold the values of the Australian Public Service.

Integrity, honesty, fairness and openness will underpin our:

• service
• relationships
• accountability.

Other Agencies

Information on other agencies within the portfolio can be obtained from the DVA annual report or via the Intranet.