Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters
As outlined in Labor’s Plans for Veterans’ Affairs 2007, the Rudd Government promised to give the ex-service community a greater voice at the highest level of government by establishing the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters.
I consulted widely on the operation and membership of the Council, meeting with in excess of 800 veterans across Australia and receiving over 100 submissions. I appreciate your interest and efforts in making this initiative a success.
Council Membership
I have chosen members on the basis of merit, broad experience and understanding of the issues affecting the ex-service and defence communities. I believe the 13 members and chair reflect the diversity of the ex-service community.
Chair:
- Dr Allan Hawke
Members:
- Mr Frank Benfield
- Group Captain Dr Robert Black AM RFD
- Hon Graham Edwards
- Mrs June Healy OAM
- Commodore Nick Helyer MBE RANR
- Warrant Officer Peter Hind OAM
- Mr Kenneth Kipping AM
- Ms Gail MacDonell
- Ms Anne Pahl
- Mr Philip Pyke
- Ms Donna Reggett
- Brigadier Keith Rossi (Rtd) AM OBE RFD ED
- Brigadier Neil Weekes (Rtd) AM MC
First meeting
The Council will consider a number of matters about how it will operate during its first meeting including the Council’s terms of reference, frequency of meetings and how it will receive and process matters referred to it. The first meeting will also set the agenda for the next 12 months.
The Council will first meet in October 2008.