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Warrant Officer Don Spinks, AM, has become the first former Regimental Sergeant Major of the Australian Army to be appointed as Repatriation Commissioner.
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The Repatriation Commission is responsible for granting pensions, allowances and other benefits, and to provide treatment for veterans, their dependants and other eligibile persons, under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).
Current and outgoing Commissioner Major General Mark Kelly, AO, DSC, will complete his appointment on 30 June 2019, with Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester announcing his successor in WO Spinks.
WO Spinks has also been appointed as a member of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission for a period of five years from 1 July 2019.
"Mr Spinks is highly qualified and well-respected, has an impressive military career serving on multiple overseas deployments and has capably represented the concerns and views of soldiers to the Chief of Army and senior leadership over a lengthy period," Minster Chester said.
"As Commissioner, Mr Spinks will be able to use his recent service experience to assist in addressing contemporary issues faced by veterans and their families, I congratulate Mr Spinks on his appointment."
Minister Chester thanked MAJGEN Kelly "for his contribution and invaluable service to the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission since 1 July 2010".
"The work of the commissions is pivotal in the development of effective policy and programs, and the efficient delivery of services for veterans and their families," Minister Chester said.
"In his almost 10 years, Major General Kelly has achieved a great deal in support of veterans and their families, most recently in advancing Open Arms — Veterans and Families Counselling, a service that is vitally important to the ex-service community by providing early intervention and longer-term mental health treatment services.
"On behalf of the ex-service community, I thank Major General Kelly and wish him all the best for the future."
WO Spinks served in a number of senior roles during his career in the Army, including 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Multi National Force and Observers — Sinai Egypt, 1st Brigade, Joint Task Force 633 on Operation Slipper and the Command Sergeant Major Forces Command — Arm.
