Major General Mark Kelly AO, former Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, has been appointed as the new Repatriation Commissioner, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin announced today. The Minister said the appointment of such a highly experienced and respected officer was a coup for the veteran community.

“At a time when significant numbers of Defence Force members are returning from deployment, having a Commissioner who understands their situation, has shared their experiences and in many cases commanded them, will help their transition from military to civilian life,” Mr Griffin said. “I am keen to improve the connection between the ADF and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and to better understand and support current and recently ex-serving members of the ADF, and I am confident Major General Kelly will help achieve this. I am certain that Australia’s veteran community will welcome his appointment.”

The Repatriation Commissioner is the services representative on the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and is appointed from nominations received from the ex-service community. With the support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Repatriation Commission delivers compensation, health care and other support to our current and former servicemen and women.

Major General Kelly graduated from the Royal Military College Duntroon in 1978 with the Sword of Honour and has since commanded at every level in the Australian Army. His operational experience includes service with the Commonwealth Monitoring Force in Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, Chief of Staff of INTERFET during Operation Stabilise in East Timor, and Commander Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East Area of Operations and Afghanistan, concluding on 15 January this year. His five-year appointment as Repatriation Commissioner begins on 1 July 2010, when the current Commissioner retires.

“My thanks go to outgoing Repatriation Commissioner Brigadier Bill Rolfe AO (Ret’d) who has provided outstanding service during his period as Commissioner. It has been a privilege to work with such a highly regarded and genuine leader who has demonstrated dedication and compassion in helping the men and women of the defence and veteran community,” Mr Griffin said.