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:

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