Our purpose

For more than 100 years, the Australian Government has committed to repatriate, support, and commemorate the service of veterans to our nation. How we have delivered on this has changed over time, but the purpose of DVA is to support the wellbeing of those who serve or have served in the defence of our nation, and their families, by:

• partnering with organisations and individuals to help design, implement and deliver effective policies, programs and benefits, which enhance the wellbeing of veterans and veteran families
• providing and maintaining war graves and delivering meaningful commemorative activities to promote community recognition and understanding of the service and sacrifice of veterans. 

Our role

We deliver government programs for war veterans, serving and former serving members of the  ADF,  Australian Federal Police and their families.

We offer support and services under legislation, including:

• Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
• Defence Service Homes Act 1918
• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
• Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
• War Graves Act

A full listing of the legislation we administer is set out in the Administrative Arrangements Orders.

The latest list of legislation is available at ComLaw.

Our values

We uphold the Australian Public Service values:

"Impartial, Committed to Service, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical" (ICARE)

For details about our values you can access:

• APS values
• Corporate Plan
• Client Service Charter

Outcomes

Each year we report to Parliament on our performance in relation to three important outcomes.

Outcome 1: Maintain and enhance the financial wellbeing and self-sufficiency of eligible persons and their dependants through access to income support, compensation and other support services, including advice and information about entitlements.

Outcome 2: Maintain and enhance the physical wellbeing and quality of life of eligible persons and their dependants through health and other care services that promote early intervention, prevention and treatment, including advice and information about health service entitlements.

Outcome 3: Acknowledgement and commemoration of those who served Australia and its allies in wars, conflicts and peace operations through promoting recognition of service and sacrifice, preservation of Australia’s wartime heritage, and official commemorations.

More information can be found in our Annual reports.