Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia)
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) is a department of the Australian Government responsible for providing services and support to veterans, war widows and widowers, and their dependants. DVA's mission is to support those who serve or have served in the defence of our nation and commemorate their service and sacrifice.
DVA's core functions include:
- Compensation and Rehabilitation: Administering compensation and rehabilitation services for disabilities and injuries arising from war service or defence service. This includes processing claims for disability pensions, war widows' pensions, and other entitlements.
- Health Care: Providing access to health care services for eligible veterans, including treatment for war-caused disabilities and general health needs. DVA operates a network of contracted medical providers and hospitals.
- Aged Care: Supporting veterans' access to aged care services, including residential care, home care, and respite care. DVA provides financial assistance to help veterans meet the costs of aged care.
- Commemoration: Overseeing the commemoration of Australian service and sacrifice in war and other conflicts. This includes maintaining war memorials, conducting commemorative services, and supporting veterans' organisations.
- Income Support: Providing income support payments to eligible veterans and their dependants, including service pensions and income support supplements.
- Advocacy and Support: Providing advocacy and support services to veterans and their families, including assistance with accessing entitlements and navigating the DVA system.
DVA works closely with veterans' organisations, ex-service organisations (ESOs), and other government agencies to deliver its services. The department is headed by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. DVA's policies and programs are informed by the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) which provides evidence-based advice on medical conditions related to war service. DVA also administers the Veterans' Review Board, an independent tribunal that reviews decisions made by DVA.