Kahlil Fegan DSC AM appointed as Repatriation Commissioner

Mr Kahlil Fegan DSC AM has been appointed as Australia’s new Repatriation Commissioner.

Son of a war widow and a Vietnam War veteran, Kahlil has served with distinction for over 30 years in the Australian Defence Force and will continue to serve the Defence and veteran community in the next chapter of his career.

Kahlil brings a lifetime of lived experience to the role, following decades in senior leadership roles in Defence, including as Commander of the 3rd Combat Brigade in Townsville.

Kahlil has forged strong working relationships and collaboration across Government and with the veteran community and has demonstrated strong personal commitment to improving the lives of Defence personnel, veterans and families.

His compassion for others gives me no doubt that he will do an outstanding job as the Repatriation Commissioner. 

He has dedicated his life to the service of our nation, and he will now serve those who served alongside him.

The Repatriation Commissioner role is a member of both the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. This will see Kahlil play a critical role in engaging with and representing veterans to ensure services delivered through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are best targeted and most effective.

With the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide due to hand down its recommendations next year, Kahlil’s deep understanding of the experience of veterans and their families has equipped  him to help shape how we best support the veteran community moving forward.

Kahlil Fegan’s appointment follows the retirement of Mr Don Spinks AM as the Repatriation Commissioner in July 2023.

I would like to thank Don for his service to veterans and their families since 2019, particularly through his engagement with the young veteran community. It’s this experience that’s helped improve the Department of Veterans’ Affairs understanding of the needs of veterans and families. I also thank Glen Ferrarotto for his work in filling this role in the intervening period.

More information can be found on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ website.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608