Relationship with the Department
The Repatriation Commission is responsible for the general administration of the VEA, while the Department provides administrative support to the Commission. The Repatriation Commission delegates many of its powers to DVA staff. The responsibilities of both bodies are therefore inextricably linked and the Repatriation Commission has a vital interest in the activities of the Department and in the assessment of the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of departmental programs.
The President of the Repatriation Commission also serves as the Secretary of the Department and administers DVA according to the requirements of the Public Service Act 1999 and the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997. To assist the effective operation of the Department in support of the Commission’s responsibilities, the Secretary delegates departmental executive functions to the Deputy President and the Repatriation Commissioner. Both are members of the DVA Executive Management Group. The Deputy President chairs several high-level departmental committees. The Repatriation Commissioner manages miscellaneous matters, such as health studies, and chairs a number of forums dealing with health care and other needs of veterans and serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force.
This close working relationship enables the members of the Repatriation Commission to play an active role in the effective and accountable management of the Department. The Repatriation Commission would like to thank DVA’s staff for their achievements throughout the year and their continued dedication to achieving excellence in service delivery.