Significant new appointments to help shape future of veteran support

FUTURE support for our veteran community has been given a significant boost with the appointment of two senior positions to the Repatriation Commission.

Ms Kate Pope PSM has been appointed to the role of Deputy President and Major General Stuart Smith AO DSC (Retd) will act in the role of Defence Engagement Commissioner.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester congratulated Ms Pope and Major General Smith on their appointments and said he looked forward to working with them both to ensure the Government had the best possible policies in place to support Australia’s veteran community into the future.

“Deputy President Pope will be heavily involved in the decision making of the Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, which make critical decisions about the services and support for 300,000 current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families,” Mr Chester said.

“Kate will also be the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ senior executive responsible for leading the development of veterans and families’ policy and ensuring DVA’s service delivery functions are shaped and directed by Government policy.

“As the Defence Engagement Commissioner, Major General Smith will be responsible for engaging with Defence on behalf of the Repatriation Commission, with a focus on strategic planning and advising on what future generations of veterans will look like.

“He will provide advice to Government on the future direction of the ADF, ensuring our future veterans have the support they need, when and where they need it.

“Australians recognise the significant contribution of our Defence Force personnel and the Government provides over $11 billion annually to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to support our veteran community.

“These two appointments are crucial in helping to determine how that investment is utilised both now and into the future. I congratulate both Kate and Stuart on their appointments.”
The Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, provide income support, compensation, health care, rehabilitation and other benefits and services for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and eligible dependants.

Please see below for further detail on the profiles of the new appointments.

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