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.
Discussion Paper
A discussion paper released in February 2008 was a first step to implement this election promise. It sought the views of the ex-service and defence communities, as well as other key stakeholders and interested members of the public on the structure and terms of reference of the Council. The paper also proposed a comprehensive review of the Department’s consultation arrangements.
You can access the discussion paper using the link below:
Responses to the Discussion Paper
Overall 109 submissions were received in response to the discussion paper, 71 from organisations (mainly ESOs) and 38 from individuals. I appreciate the commitment individuals and organisations have made to this consultation phase.
The submissions showed very strong support for the establishment of the Council and its intent to enhance the capacity of members of the ex-service and defence communities to raise important issues with government. The appointment of appropriate members, the independence and transparency of the Council and the relationship of the Council to other consultation mechanisms were seen as crucial to its success.
There was also strong support for a review of the current consultation arrangements at both a national and state level and the submissions clearly indicated that existing consultative arrangements are not considered adequate.
You can access the responses to the discussion paper using the link below.
Next Step
Before finalising arrangements for the Council, I will conduct meetings with members of the ex-service community in each state and territory to discuss the issues raised by the submissions. These issues include, but are not limited to:
- The role and operation of the Council
- The membership (including required skills and experience and terms of their appointment, and the position of the Chair) of the Council
- Existing consultation arrangements
- Role of DVA
- Role of the Minister
I welcome your attendance at these meetings.
If you wish to attend one of these meetings please RSVP by phoning the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council secretariat on 02 6225 4455 at least three days ahead of the meeting in your State or Territory.
Meeting schedule
| LOCATION | DATE | SESSION | VENUE |
| Adelaide, SA | Thursday, 3 July 2008 | 2.00pm – 4.00pm | Dept of Veterans' Affairs SA Office Blackburn House 199 Grenfell Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 |
| Perth, WA | Monday, 7 July 2008 | 10.00am –12.00pm | Dept of Veterans' Affairs WA Office 5th Floor, AMP Building 140 St Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000 |
| Canberra, ACT | Tuesday, 15 July 2008 | 2.00pm – 4.00pm | Dept of Veterans' Affairs ACT Office Lovett Tower 13 Keltie St, WODEN ACT 2606 |
| Brisbane, QLD | Friday, 18 July 2008 | 1.00pm – 3.00pm | Holiday Inn - Roma Street Level 5 159 Roma St Brisbane QLD 4000 |
| Darwin, NT | Thursday, 24 July 2008 | 9.00am – 11.00am | Mantra Pandanas 43 Knuckey St Darwin NT 800 |
| Sydney, NSW | Friday, 25 July 2008 | 10.00am – 12.00pm | Dept of Veterans' Affairs NSW Office Tower B Centennial Plaza 280 Elizabeth Street SURRY HILLS NSW 2010 |
| Hobart, TAS | Tuesday, 29 July 2008 | 10.00am – 12.00pm | RAAF Memorial Centre 61 Davey Street Hobart Tas 7000 |
| Melbourne, VIC | Friday, 1 August 2008 | 2.00pm – 4.00pm | Melbourne Town Hall Corner Swanston and Collins Streets Melbourne Vic 3000 |