The first Repatriation Act (Australian Soldiers Repatriation Act 1917) established a part time commission of three members to advise the Minister on the range of repatriation benefits to be made available. Repatriation matters were administered by the Repatriation Commission [I] (CA 2101), under the Department of AIF Repatriation (CA 16) and Minister for Repatriation. The early history of the repatriation function and its administering bodies is subject to further research. Attendant State Repatriation Boards were also established at this date under section 6 of the Act. The existence and operation of a State Repatriation Board in South Australia is also subject to further research.

In 1918, an amending Act (The Australian Soldiers Repatriation Act 1918, Commonwealth Act No 15 of 1918) provided for specific benefits for repatriated ex-servicemen. State organisations from 1920 were headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Repatriation. In South Australia the Deputy Commissioner of Repatriation appears to have operated form 1 July 1920.

The Deputy Commissioner in each State was responsible, via the Administrating Commissioners of Repatriation, for the implementation of the policy of the Minister and Government.

The 1920 Official Yearbook of the Commonwealth (p 1013), stated that the policy was designed:
 
(a) To secure the re-establishment of returned soldiers in the 
    industrial life of the community to the fullest extent that
    circumstances permit;
 
(b) To sustain these soldiers until an opportunity for such re- 
    establishment is assured;
 
(c) To provide for the care of the dependants of soldiers who have 
    died on active service as well as the dependants of soldiers who,
    on account of injuries sustained, are unable to provide for those
    formerly dependant upon them;
 
 (d) To provide medical treatment after discharge for returned
     nurses, sailors and soldiers who are suffering disabilities
     caused or aggravated by war service.
 
The same source stated that, in implementing this policy, the Department of Repatriation undertook:
 
(1) To provide suitable employment for those who are able to follow 
    their previous occupation or one similar to it, and to pay
    sustenance until such opportunities are presented;
 
(2) To restore to the fullest degree of efficiency possible, by means
    of vocational training, those who on account of war service are 
    unable to follow their pre-war occupations, and during the period
    of such training to assure trainees adequate sustenance;
 
(3) To maintain by pensions or in hostels totally and permanently 
    incapacitated soldiers and their dependents, and soldiers' widows
    with children.
 
(4) To supply gratis all necessary treatment, surgical aids, and 
    medicaments; all hospital fees, and transport expenses thereto 
    and therefrom, with allowances for certain classes for the period
    of treatment (where hospital treatment is not feasible the same 
    may be given in the home or in such place as may be approved).

These benefits were provided for in the amending legislation (Repatriation Act 1920, Commonwealth of Australia Acts No 6 of 1920) with the addition of the function of payment of War Pensions to the department's responsibilities. This legislation repealed the War Pensions Act 1914-1916 and the Australian Soldiers Repatriation Act 1917-1918. It also made provision for appointment of full time Commissioners to administer the provisions of the Act.

The functions of the agency expanded in the years 1920 to 1939. Development of medical facilities included construction of Repatriation General Hospitals, Artificial Limb Centres and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Hospitals. In 1936 a review of Repatriation Pensions took place and the resulting "Service Pension" widened the functional area of the Department.

In 1943 the Act was amended as a result of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Joint Committee Report handed down on 28 January. The amending Act (No 22 of 1943) extended the area of eligibility for service pensions and a consequent increase in the Department's function.

The Department of AIF Repatriation (CA 16) was inactive from 1923 to 1929. During this time its functions were administered by the Departments of the Treasury [I], Defence [II], Home and Territories, and Health. The operation of the Deputy Commissioner of Repatriation, South Australia (CA 877) during this period is subject to further research. The operations and administrative structure of the Deputy Commissioner after the reactivation of the Department are also subject to further research.

The Department was abolished on 5 October 1976 and replaced by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the operations of the Deputy Commissioner in South Australia apparently being assumed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Branch Office, South Australia (CA 2369).

Historical agency address
1920-1923: North Terrace, Adelaide 
1923-1976: 186 Pulteney Street, Adelaide

Legislation administered
Creation: Subject to further research
Abolition: Executive Council Meeting No 74 (PSB Minute No 1976/32) of 5 Oct 1976