Our structure
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The Department of Veterans’ Affairs employs over 3000 staff throughout Australia. We have offices located in each state and territory capital, as well as smaller regional offices, known as Veterans’ Affairs Network (VAN) offices. They provide information, advice and advocacy services to our clients.

Leadership

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs is responsible for the department. The Secretary is head of the department and President of the Repatriation Commission. The senior leadership of the department includes:

  • Secretary and President — Alison Frame
  • Chief Operating Officer — Brenton Philp
  • Deputy Secretary Veteran, Family & Stakeholder Experience — Alison McLaren
  • Deputy Secretary Policy & Programs — Andrew Kefford PSM
  • Deputy Secretary Taskforce on Wellbeing Agency & Peak Body — Teena Blewitt PSM
  • Deputy President — Mark Brewer AM CSC

Deputy Commissioners represent the department in each state and territory. As at 3 June 2025 they are:

  • NSW/ACT — Mahmoud El-Hussein
  • Victoria — Michael Harper
  • Queensland — Tara Hatzismalis
  • South Australia — Janice Silby
  • Northern Territory — Kacie Austin
  • Tasmania — Sally Dennington
  • Western Australia — Samantha Patuto

See: Organisational chart, The Secretary, Contact us

Other agencies

In addition to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, other agencies or groups also provide services for the veteran community. They include:

  • Repatriation Commission
  • Australian War Memorial
  • Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission
  • Veterans’ Review Board
  • Repatriation Medical Authority
  • Specialist Medical Review Council
  • Office of Australian War Graves

See: Our portfolio

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