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List of Australian Government Bodies and Governance Relationships as at 1 October 2009
VETERANS’ AFFAIRS (PART OF THE DEFENCE PORTFOLIO)1
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS(PART OF THE DEFENCE PORTFOLIO)
CATEGORY / NUMBER OF BODIESA. Departmental Bodies / 3
A1.Department of State / 1
A2.Functions with Distinct Branding / 0
A3.Ministerial Councils / 0
A4.Joint Commonwealth-State Bodies / 0
A5.International Bodies / 0
A6.Advisory Bodies / 2
B. Departmental Bodies Recognised in Legislation / 7
B1.Statutory Authorities, Statutory Committees and Royal Commissions / 6
B2.Statutory Office Holders / 1
B3.Business Operations / 0
C. Prescribed Agencies under the FMA Act / 0
D. Commonwealth Authorities under the CAC Act / 1
E. Statutory Corporations
(that are neither Commonwealth Authorities nor encompassed in an FMA Act Agency) / 4
F. Commonwealth Companies under the CAC Act / 0
F1.Limited by Guarantee / 0
F2.Limited by Shares / 0
G. Other Companies / 1
G1.Limited by Guarantee / 1
G2.Limited by Shares / 0
H. Other Entities / 2
H1.Partnerships and Joint Ventures / 1
H2.Incorporated Associations / 1
H3.Trusts / 0
TOTAL / 18
A. / A.DEPARTMENTAL BODIES
A1. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (the Department)
Creation Date: / 8 April 1918
Established By/Under: / Australian Constitution, also Administrative Arrangements Order
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, section 63 of the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act)
GFS Classification: / GGS
Materiality: / Material
ABN: / 23 964 290 824
Web Site: /
The Department is a part of the Defence Portfolio. It is responsible for developing Government policy and implementing programs to fulfil Australia's obligations to veterans and war widows, serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and certain Australian Federal Police with overseas service and their dependants.
Departments of State are recognised under section 64 of the Constitution, the Administrative Arrangements Order, theFinancial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and thePS Act.
A.DEPARTMENTAL BODIES
A6. ADVISORY BODIES
Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters
Creation Date: / 6 September 2008
Constituted By: / 14 members
Appointed By: / Prime Minister and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Annual Report Tabled: / No
Web Site: /
The Council was established to advise the Prime Minister and the Government on matters affecting the ex-service and defence communities. Its responsibilities include reviewing proposed legislation, advising on ex-service matters which impact directly on the responsibilities of other government departments and assisting in prioritising issues raised or referred by the Prime Minister or the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
Vietnam Veterans Family Study Consultative Forum
Creation Date: / 22 September 2008
Constituted By: / Representatives of participant groups in the Study
Appointed By: / Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Annual Report Tabled: / No
Web Site: /
The Forum comprises representatives of ex-service organisations which represent the interests of participant groups in the Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study.
The Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study Program was established in September 2007 to assess the impact of military service on the health and welfare of families of veterans who served in Vietnam and other recent deployments.
The Study is assisted by the Independent Scientific Adviser and the Scientific Advisory Committee, which reviews and advises on the scientific methodologies used in the Study.
B. / B. DEPARTMENTAL BODIES RECOGNISED IN LEGISLATION
B1. STATUTORY AUTHORITIES, STATUTORY COMMITTEES AND ROYAL COMMISSIONS
Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme
Creation Date: / 6 March 1919
Established By/Under: / Defence Services Homes Act 1918, section 38
Constituted By: / The Scheme is administered by the Department
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, section 50B of the Defence Services Homes Act 1918
ABN: / 97 191 187 638
Web Site: /
The Scheme provides home building and contents insurance for veterans, serving members, war widows and peacekeepers who are entitled to a loan under the DefenceService Homes Act1918, theVeterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, or the DefenceForce (HomeLoans Assistance) Act 1990.
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Boards
Creation Date: / 25 August 2004
Established By/Under: / Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, section258 and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme 2004
Constituted By: / 5 to 15 members
Appointed By: / Repatriation Commission (see Section E), with the agreement of the MilitaryRehabilitation and Compensation Commission (see Section E).
Annual Report Tabled: / No, but reports in the annual report of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.
Web Site: / No current web site available
The Boards, established in each State, oversee the administration of the MilitaryRehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme, which provides education and training to eligible young persons. Members are contemporaneous with membership of the Veterans’ Children Education Board (see also Section B1) in each State, subject to written acceptance by each member.
B. DEPARTMENTAL BODIES RECOGNISED IN LEGISLATION
National Treatment Monitoring Committee
Creation Date: / 1 July 1992
Established By/Under: / Repatriation Private Patient Principles (the Principles), determined by the Repatriation Commission under subsection90A(1) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
Constituted By: / 11 members (2 Commonwealth representatives and 9 who represent exservice and associated organisations)
Appointed By: / Repatriation Commission
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, paragraphs 5.5 to 5.7 of the Principles require a report to be submitted to the Repatriation Commission, which must furnish it to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs for tabling in the Parliament.
Web Site: /
The Committee convenes to review the integration or sale of the Repatriation General Hospitals and the delivery of hospital care to the veteran community through the Repatriation Private Patient Scheme.
State and Territory Treatment Monitoring Committees
Creation Date: / 1 July 1992
Established By/Under: / Repatriation Private Patient Principles (the Principles), determined by the Repatriation Commission under subsection90A(1) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
Constituted By: / At least 8 members, representing the Commonwealth, exservice organisations and the State or Territory health authorities.
Appointed By: / Repatriation Commission
Annual Report Tabled: / No, but sub-paragraph 5.5.1 of the Principles requires the National Treatment Monitoring Committee (NATMOC)to consider the reports of State and Territory monitoring committees when it reports to the Commission.
Web Site: / No current web site available
The Committees are subsidiary bodies of NATMOC. The committees monitor matters of national importance relating to the Principles and associated health care services and report to NATMOC.
B. DEPARTMENTAL BODIES RECOGNISED IN LEGISLATION
Veterans’ Children Education Boards
Creation Date: / 1 January 1993
Established By/Under: / Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, section 117 and Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (Instrument 1992 No.11)
Constituted By: / 5 to 15 members
Appointed By: / Repatriation Commission
Annual Report Tabled: / No, but reported in the Repatriation Commission’s annual report
ABN: / No registered ABN
Web Site: /
The Veterans’ Children Education Scheme(the Scheme) provides for the establishment of Education Boards in each State to manage the application of the scheme to provide educational assistance to veterans’ children. Members are nominated by organisations interested in the welfare of eligible children.
The Board members also constitute the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education Training Board in each State (see also Section B1).
B. DEPARTMENTAL BODIES RECOGNISED IN LEGISLATION
Veterans’ Review Board
Creation Date: / 1 January 1985
Established By/Under: / Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, subsection 134(1) continues in existence the Veterans’ Review Board originally established by section107VB of the Repatriation Act 1920.
Constituted By: / Section 141 of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 provides that a Board shall, for the purposes of a review, be constituted by 3members (including the Principal Member), or, with the approval of the Minister, one member. As at 1 January 2009, inaddition to the Principal Member (who is full-time), there is a pool of 43 other members (who may be part-time or full-time) across all States.
Appointed By: / Governor-General
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, subsection 215(4) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
ABN: / 23964290824 (the Department)
Web Site: /
The Board reviews decisions of the Repatriation Commission about disability pensions, war widow(er)s’ pensions and attendant allowances under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. The Board also reviews decisions of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission concerning rehabilitation, compensation and other benefits under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.
ThePrincipal Member is responsible for the efficient operation of the Board. Staff assisting the Board consist of persons employed under the Public Service Act1999 and are made available by the Secretary of the Department.
B. DEPARTMENTAL BODIES RECOGNISED IN LEGISLATION
B2. STATUTORY OFFICE HOLDERS
Director of War Graves
Creation Date: / 4 July 1980
Established By/Under: / War Graves Act 1980, section 3
Appointed By: / Governor-General
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, section 13 of the War Graves Act 1980
Web Site: /
The Director maintains war cemeteries and individual war graves within Australia, acts as the agent for the CommonwealthWar Graves Commission (established in the United Kingdom) which maintains the war graves of the service personnel of the nations of the British Commonwealth in 150 countries. It alsomanages official commemorations for eligible veterans who have died post-war and whose deaths are accepted as being caused by war service.
Staff assisting the Director are employed under the PublicService Act1999 and are made available by the Secretary of the Department. Thestaff collectively comprise the Office of Australian War Graves.
D. / D. COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES UNDER THE CAC ACT
Australian War Memorial
Creation Date: / 1 July 1980
Established By/Under: / Australian War Memorial Act 1980, section 4
Constituted By: / Council comprising between 11 and 13 members, a Director, andstaff.
Appointed By: / Governor-General
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes
PS Act Body: / Statutory Agency
GFS Classification: / GGS
Materiality: / Material
ABN: / 64 909 221 257
Web Site: /
The Australian War Memorial maintains and develops a national collection of historical material for exhibition and other research purposes.
E. / E. STATUTORY CORPORATIONS
(THAT ARE NEITHER COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES NOR ENCOMPASSED IN AN FMA ACT AGENCY)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission
Creation Date: / 27 April 2004
Established By/Under: / Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, section361
Constituted By: / 5 members, comprising the President and Deputy President of the Repatriation Commission and 3 other members nominated by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
Appointed By: / Governor-General
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, section 385 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act2004
ABN: / 23 964 290 824 (the Department)
Web Site: /
The Commission administers benefits under the MilitaryRehabilitationand Compensation Act 2004 and Part XI of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.
The Commission is assisted by staff made available by the Secretary of the Department.
E. STATUTORY CORPORATIONS
(THAT ARE NEITHER COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES NOR ENCOMPASSED IN AN FMA ACT AGENCY)
Repatriation Commission
Creation Date: / 1 July 1920
Established By/Under: / Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (the Act), section 179 continues in existence the body corporate created by the Repatriation Act 1920.
Constituted By: / 3 to 5 members. The Secretary of the Department is also the President of the Repatriation Commission, in accordance with section184 of the Act.
Appointed By: / Governor-General
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, subsection 215(1) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
ABN: / 23 964 290 824 (the Department)
Web Site: /
The Commission is responsible under the Act for granting pensions, allowances and other benefits, providing treatment and other services and generally administering the Act.
The Commission is assisted by staff made available by the Secretary of the Department.
E. STATUTORY CORPORATIONS
(THAT ARE NEITHER COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES NOR ENCOMPASSED IN AN FMA ACT AGENCY)
Repatriation Medical Authority
Creation Date: / 30 June 1994
Established By/Under: / Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986(the VE Act), section 196A
Constituted By: / 5 part-time members
Appointed By: / Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Annual Report Tabled: / Yes, but no legislative requirement
ABN: / No registered ABN
Web Site: /
The Authority determines Statements of Principles in respect of particular kinds of injuries, diseases or death based on medicalscientific evidence detailing the factors which can connect the injuries, diseases or death with the circumstances of service in Australia’s military forces.
The Statements of Principles are used for the purpose of determining claims for compensation under the VE Act and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.
All members of the Authority must be a medical practitioner, or a medical scientist, with at least 10 years experience, of whom one must have at least 5 years experience in epidemiology.
The Authority is assisted by staff made available by the Secretaryof the Department.
E. STATUTORY CORPORATIONS
(THAT ARE NEITHER COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES NOR ENCOMPASSED IN AN FMA ACT AGENCY)
Specialist Medical Review Council
Creation Date: / 30 June 1994
Established By/Under: / Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, section 196V
Constituted By: / 10 part-time members
Appointed By: / Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Annual Report Tabled: / No, but reports within the annual report of the Department.
ABN: / No registered ABN
Web Site: /
The Council reviews the Statements of Principles, and decisions of the Repatriation Medical Authority (seeprevious entry).
The Council does not consider individual applications for compensation, but reviews the evidence upon which the RMA bases its decisions.
All members of the Council must be a registered medical practitioner, or a medical scientist with at least 10 years experience. Section196ZE of the Act provides that they are to be selected from a list of nominees submitted by such colleges, or similar bodies of medical practitioners or medical scientists (e.g. the RoyalAustralianCollege of Physicians), as are asked by the Minister to submit nominees.
The Council is assisted by staff made available by the Secretaryof the Department.
G. / G. OTHER COMPANIES
G1. COMPANIES LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation
Creation Date: / 1985
Governed By: / 13 members, comprising 1 representative of the Department, 1Australian Defence Force representative, community and other representatives from exservice organisations.
Appointed By: / Members
Annual Report Tabled: / No
Auditor: / KMS Financial Solutions
ABN: / 92 536 010 060
ACN: / 006 753 162
Web Site: /
The Foundation reviews and provides views on the medical and health care and welfare of veterans and their families.
The Foundation also invests in medical research for the benefit of the veteran community. Founded in 1985 as an incorporated association, the Foundation was registered as a company limited by guarantee on 5May 1987.
H. / H. OTHER ENTITIES
H1. PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES
Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH)
Creation Date: / 2 October 2003
Governed By: / 12 committee members, comprising the Department (2), Defence (Chair plus 2), University of Queensland (2), University of Adelaide (2) CharlesDarwinUniversity (2) and the Director of CMVH (1).
Appointed By: / Participants
Annual Report Tabled: / No
ABN: / No registered ABN
Web Site: /
The CMVH is a joint-initiative of the Department, the Department of Defence, and a consortium of universities and their allied teaching hospitals, to provide a cost-effective national base of expertise in military health to maintain and enhance the health, fitness and capability for deployment of the Australian Defence Force (seealsoDefence portfolio, Section H1).
H. OTHER ENTITIES
H2. INCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH)
Creation Date: / 24 October 2000
Governed By: / 8 committee members, comprising representatives from the Repatriation Commission (2), the Department of Defence (1), theUniversity of Melbourne (1), and independent members (3), including the Chair. The Director of ACPMH is appointed exofficio.
Appointed By: / Members
Annual Report Tabled: / No
Auditor: / Cummings Flavel McCormack Assurance
Association Number: / A0040382V
ABN: / 47 720 569 707
ARBN: / 095 202 994
Web Site: /
ACPMH provides expert advice and services to the Department and the Australian Defence Force concerning the treatment for mental disabilities in the veteran community.
ACPMH, which is incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Vic), is based in the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Services. The Repatriation Commission, the Department of Defence and the University of Melbourne were the founding members.
List of Australian Government Bodies and Governance Relationships as at 1 October 2009