Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin today announced that Doug Humphreys has been appointed as the Principal Member of the Veterans’ Review Board for five years, beginning on 22 March. The Veterans’ Review Board is the first avenue of appeal for decisions about veteran’s benefits and entitlements, after internal review options have been exhausted. Veterans’ Review Board decisions can be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Mr Humphreys is an experienced senior public servant with an extensive background in government tribunals. He is currently the Principal Registrar of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a position he has held for the past six years. He is also an alternate member of the NSW Legal Aid Commission Board, and has served as an infantry officer in the Army Reserve since 1976.

“Mr Humphreys’ service background combined with his legal expertise gives him a strong understanding of the unique nature of military service and his role in making decisions related to service,” Mr Griffin said. “Mr Humphreys has a strong network within the legal fraternity and across the Australian Public Service. The partnerships he formed with the Registrars and Heads of other Commonwealth Tribunals resulted in greater co-operation across each organisation. No doubt the benefits of such partnerships will flow to the Veterans’ Review Board.”

The Veterans’ Review Board is an independent tribunal that reviews decisions or determinations of the Repatriation and Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Commissions. The Veterans’ Review Board also reviews determinations of the Service Chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force in relation to rehabilitation for serving members of the Defence Force.