Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the appointment of Alison Frame as the new Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, replacing Liz Cosson after Christmas.
Alison Frame (left) will take over as Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs from incumbent Liz Cosson in January 2023.
Ms Frame comes from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet where she has been in the role of Deputy Secretary, Social Policy.
She has been a senior public servant for both the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments in a range of service-delivery and policy roles.
Mr Albanese said Ms Frame brought significant experience working with stakeholders and leading staff to deliver positive outcomes for the community.
“Ms Frame’s five-year appointment will commence on 23 January 2023,” he said.
“I congratulate Alison on the appointment and look forward to working with her in this new capacity.
“I also thank Elizabeth Cosson for her service as Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs since May 2018.
“She has been a passionate advocate for improving services for veterans and their families.”
According to her own LinkedIn profile, Alison Frame has 21 years of public sector experience, 16 years at the senior executive level, in both the NSW and Australian Public Service, with a breadth of roles in strategy, change management and service delivery across the human services and planning systems.
Senator Jacqui Lambie – never a fan of current Secretary Liz Cosson – posted a celebratory “Bye Liz” on her Facebook page, commenting “Let’s hope the new Secretary cleans up DVA’s shambles”.
Source: Contact 22nd December 2022
An additional fact from the PM’s 15 December announcement is “A changeover to a new Secretary in January 2023 will provide for continuity in the department’s leadership during the finalisation of the 2023–24 Budget process, 2023 Anzac Day commemorations and the ongoing response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.