Repatriation Department
Department of Repatriation
8 April 1918 – 12 June 1974
The department that administered repatriation benefits for returned service personnel and their dependants – war pensions, medical treatment, vocational training and resettlement – on behalf of the Repatriation Commission.
How it came into existence
Came into being on 8 April 1918, when the Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Act 1917 took effect, to serve the new Repatriation Commission; it superseded the trustees of the Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Fund. Edward Millen had been appointed Minister for Repatriation on 28 September 1917.
- Assistance to returned soldiers and their dependants
Legislation: Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Act 1917 (replaced by the Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Act 1920)
Changes during its life
- 1920The Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Act 1920 replaced the 1917 Act, reconstituted the Repatriation Commission as a full-time three-member body and gave it responsibility for war pensions.
- War pensions administration
War pensions, paid by the Treasury's pensions office under the War Pensions Act 1914, passed to the Repatriation Commission under the Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Act 1920; exact date not confirmed.
- Residual re-establishment functions for ex-service personnel
How it ended
Replaced on 12 June 1974 by the Department of Repatriation and Compensation, which added Commonwealth employees' compensation to the repatriation functions.
- War and service pensions
- Medical treatment and repatriation hospitals
- Support for the Repatriation Commission
Main functions
- War and service pensions for veterans and their dependants (from 1920)
- Medical treatment and repatriation hospitals
- Vocational training, employment and resettlement of returned service personnel
- Support for the Repatriation Commission
- Assistance to war widows and the children of deceased service personnel
Lineage
Loading lineage…
Sources
Primary sources
- Administrative Arrangements Order of 13 April 1932 (sets it out)
- Administrative Arrangements Order of 19 December 1972 (sets it out)
1 more Administrative Arrangements Order sets it out
- Administrative Arrangements Order of 16 November 1950 (sets it out)
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.