How we consult the ex-service community

ESO Round Table (ESORT)

Last updated: 
4 June 2020

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Overview

This forum intends to enhance the capacity of the Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. This forum aims to address issues of strategic importance to the ex-service and defence communities and assist in setting directions for the medium to long term. Specific responsibilities include:

  • acting as the main forum for dialogue between the Military Rehabilitation Compensation Commission (MRCC), Repatriation Commission, Department of Veterans' Affairs and the leadership of the ESO and Defence communities
  • providing advice on how government can better facilitate a common approach to veteran and ex-service issues against the current background of ageing members, declining membership and multiple ex-service organisations not necessarily united in their common concerns
  • guiding strategic directions for the portfolio
  • serving as the main body for consultation under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 on the development of legislative instruments impacting members of the ex service and Defence communities under the:
    • Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
    • Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
    • Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence Related Claims) Act 1988
    • Defence Service Homes Act 1918
    • War Graves Act 1980

Terms of Reference (DOC 47 KB)

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Membership

Membership comprises representatives from the following organisations
Organisation Representative
Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission Ms Liz Cosson AM CSC
Chair
Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission Mr Charles McHardie AM
Acting Member
Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission Mr Don Spinks AM
Member
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission Ms Sue Weston PSM
Member
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission Rear Admiral Sarah Sharkey CSC
Member
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission Major General Natasha Fox AM CSC
Member
Air Force Association Group Captain Carl Schiller OAM CSM (Retd) National President
Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association Mr Robert Woods
President
Australian Special Air Service Association Mr Peter Fitzpatrick AO AM
National Chairman
Defence Families Australia Ms Maree Sirois
National Convenor
Defence Force Welfare Association Mr Kel Ryan
National President
Defence Reserves Association Major General Paul Irving AM PSM RFD
National President
Legacy Australia Inc. Mr Richard Cranna
National Chairman
Naval Association of Australia National President
Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Inc. Ms Heather Evans
National President
Royal Australian Regiment Corporation Mr Michael von Berg MC OAM
Chairman
Returned and Services League of Australia Major General Greg Melick AO RFD
National President
TPI Federation Australia Ms Pat McCabe OAM
National President
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Mr Kenneth Foster OAM
National President
Vietnam Veterans' Federation of Australia Mr William Roberts OAM
National President
War Widows' Guild of Australia Ms Meg Green AM
National President

The leaders of the ESOs listed above are the appointed members of the Round Table.

The Chair of the ESO Round Table is the Chair of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.

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Meeting schedule

The ESO Round Table meets face-to-face two or three times per year and if required, holds more meetings via video or telephone conference.

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Meeting minutes

Meeting minutes of each ESORT meeting are available via the following links:

ESORT Hearing Services Working Group

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Contact

To contact the ESO Round Table Secretariat, please email ESORT.Secretariat [at] dva.gov.au

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