DEFENCE CONNECT: Robert Dougherty
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles MP lay wreaths at a service to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Photo: Nick Haggarty
The Australian government has announced around $7.4 million in funding over four years to support the establishment and initial operations of an independent, member-based, not-for-profit national peak body for ex-service organisations (ESOs) and veteran-serving organisations. The funding delivers on recommendation 89 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which called for the establishment of a national peak body for ESOs. Expressions of interest are now open to recruit the initial board of directors for the national peak body, with interviews to be conducted by an independent selection panel.
This announcement follows the recent completion of the National Peak Body Project led by special adviser Nick Booth MVO with support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The project was guided by a steering committee made up of representatives from a range of veteran-focused organisations. Through engagement with more than 170 organisations and around 500 individuals, the project confirmed there is broad support for a peak body across the veteran sector and laid the foundations for an independent and sector-led organisation that will represent the veteran community.
The intent of the peak body is to support the sector to work together more effectively, strengthen representation on issues affecting veterans and families, and provide a clear and consistent voice on matters of national importance to the veteran community. The funding is expected to enable recruitment and appointment of the initial board of directors while supporting the delivery of activities required to create a sustainable, independent body that will be led by the sector for the sector in support of veterans and their families.
RSL – “As Australia’s largest and oldest veteran organisation, the RSL has long advocated for a united sector voice,” the Returned & Services League (RSL) Australia’s Peter Tinley said. “We welcome the peak body and expect to play a leading role in its success, working constructively with every organisation in the sector to make sure it delivers for veterans and their families.”
DFWA – “Today’s announcement is a positive and important development for veterans and their families,” said Del Gaudry from the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA). “The creation of a national peak body represents a genuine opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the veteran sector and ensures that lived experience is at the centre of future policy and service delivery. “DFWA commends the government for backing this initiative and looks forward to working constructively to make it a success. It is important to understand for any veteran and families organisation that being a part of the national peak body does not stop you or your organisation from communicating/lobbying with DVA or the government.”
Legacy – “Legacy Australia strongly supports the establishment of the new peak body and welcomes this important step towards strengthening collaboration across the veteran and family’s community,” said Mark Lax from Legacy Australia. “We look forward to working constructively with the peak body and our fellow ex-service organisations to support the best possible outcomes for veterans and families of veterans.”