Minister, Royal Commissioners, Military Leader and Departmental Secretary to Address National Ex-Service Organisation Forum

RSL Australia is pleased to announce that Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh MP, the Defence Force Chief of Personnel Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Alison Frame and Royal Commissioners Kaldas, Brown and Douglas will address the forthcoming National Forum for Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) on 10 October.

Forum sessions will be co-facilitated by leaders from across the ESO sector.

Both the Minister Keogh MP and the Royal Commissioners have called on the ESO sector to establish a peak body to represent Australia’s multiple ex-service organisations. This is supported by the RSL and will be a key topic for discussion at the Forum.

The Minister and Commissioners have emphasised that it is the role of the ESO sector to determine the best option for a peak body that should be independent and separate from any one ESO. It should work as a facilitator, not a regulator, assist and encourage the sector to understand best practice and standards, and, importantly provide guidance on key matters to support ESOs and the welfare of the veteran community.

RSL Australia President Greg Melick said as the largest ESO, the RSL was taking a leadership role, hosting a series of forums involving representatives of some 40 ESOs to discuss the need and potential models for a peak body.

The first forum was held in Canberra in November 2022, with a second meeting in Sydney at the end of May this year. The 10 October Forum will build on the earlier discussions. (Read the reports from previous forums)

Greg Melick said the ESOs had discussed a range of issues and had already determined three priority functions for any peak body Forum.

“These are policy advocacy providing a collective voice to lobby for the interest of veterans and their families, the development of an ESO Code of Conduct as well as service standards, and the establishment of effective communication, engagement, and representation on behalf of veterans and their families.”

The ESOs will now move to discuss potential models for a peak body, including resourcing and funding, membership, communication, collaboration, consultation and interaction with Government and other stakeholders.

Greg Melick said consideration would likely be given to requesting funding from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for the development of a business case to how a peak body could best be structured to meet the priority functions agreed by the forum participants.

“Veterans and their families make a significant social and economic contribution to our nation. One in 20 Australian households include someone who is a current or former member of our Australian Defence Force.

“It is vital that all their interests are strongly represented and the establishment of a ESO peak body as envisaged could significantly enhance this,” he said.