PMC social policy dep sec the new boss at Veterans' Affairs

Alison Frame is the new secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Photo: Supplied.

A senior leader from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has been appointed to take over the role of secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Alison Frame is currently the deputy secretary for social policy in PM&C, but will replace Liz Cosson as the head of Veterans’ Affairs in the new year.

Ms Frame will start a five-year term at the helm of DVA on 23 January.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a changeover to the new secretary will provide continuity in the department’s leadership during the finalisation of the 2023-24 Budget process, 2023 Anzac commemorations, and the ongoing response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

He said Ms Frame was the right candidate.

“She has been a senior public servant for both the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments in a range of complex service delivery and policy roles,” Mr Albanese said.

“Ms Frame brings significant experience working with stakeholders and leading staff to deliver positive outcomes for the community.

“I congratulate Alison on the appointment and look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”

The Prime Minister also thanked Ms Cosson for her leadership of the department since May 2018.

“She has been a passionate advocate for improving services for veterans and their families,” he said.

Liz Cosson will step down in late January 2023. Photo: Chris Johnson

Ms Cosson said she was proud of the work achieved under her leadership of the department.

She led a transformation program at DVA resulting in vast improvements in veteran access to support services, and the expansion of mental health services for veterans and their families.

The royal commission is due to report by 15 June. Its interim report recommended urgent changes to the wait times for claims processing.

Some veterans had been waiting as long as 300 days for claims to be processed.

Ms Cosson became a public servant in 2010 after serving 31 years as an officer in the Australian Army, rising to the rank of major general.