The Department of Veterans' Affairs is a department of the Government of Australia, established in 1976, and charged with the responsibility of delivering government programs for war veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force, members of the Australian Federal Police, and their dependants. The current Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs is Elizabeth Cosson, who succeeded Simon Lewis as secretary on 19 May 2018. For administration 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. Operational activities The functions of the department are broadly classified into the following matters: Repatriation income support, compensation and health program for veterans, members of the Defence Force, certain mariners and their dependants Commemorations, including promotion of understanding of Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans' Day War graves 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 Liz Cosson, since May 2018. 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. Other key officeholders Other key officeholders in the department are the Deputy President of the Repatriation Commission, currently Major General Craig Orme; and the Repatriation Commissioner, currently Major General Mark Kelly AO DSC. See also Minister for Veterans' Affairs List of Australian Commonwealth Government entities References External links Department of Veterans' Affairs web site Australia Federal Government Administrative Arrangements 1976 establishments in Australia Veterans' Affairs Ministries established in 1976 Veterans' affairs in Australia Australia