Functions and powers
The Repatriation Commission was established on 1 July 1920 by proclamation of the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act 1920. When this Act and several other related Acts were replaced by the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), the Repatriation Commission was retained.
Under section 180 of the VEA, the functions of the Repatriation Commission are:
- to grant pensions and other benefits and provide treatment for veterans, their dependants and other eligible persons;
- to advise the Minister on the operation of the VEA; and
- generally to administer the VEA, subject to the control of the Minister.
The VEA also gives the Repatriation Commission the power to take necessary actions in connection with the performance of its functions, duties and powers (section 181). The responsible Minister under the VEA is the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. The Minister does not have any powers to direct the Repatriation Commission in making a particular decision in a claim for a benefit under the VEA. These powers are detailed under the Freedom of Information statement at Appendix C.
The Repatriation Commission, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) currently provides services to almost half a million veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), their partners, widows/widowers and children.