National Consultation Framework

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Background

The National Consultation Framework (NCF) launched in 2009, and facilitates communication between the veteran and ex-service community, the Repatriation and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commissions, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). The NCF operates independently to the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters (PMAC).

Forums can consider matters of importance to the veteran community, hear reports and updates, make recommendations for change and provide a voice to sections of the community that might not be otherwise heard.

The NCF is currently comprised of the following forums:

• Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT)
• National Aged and Community Care Forum (NACCF)
• Operational Working Party (OWP)
• Younger Veterans - Contemporary Needs Forum (YVF)
• Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service

Click each of the links above to find out more about each forum, including membership and reports or minutes from previous meetings.

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Review of the National Consultation Framework

Every three years the NCF is formally reviewed to assess the ongoing effectiveness and relevance of the Framework and, if necessary, recommend changes to the Framework. 

The next NCF will be held in 2023/2024.

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Text description of the National Consultation Framework - Referral Pathways

The vertical flowchart flows from top to bottom through a hierarchy. Flows are shown as operating in a two way direction up and down through the hierarchy (there being no direct link between the top and bottom role in the hierarchy). The top three roles are (from top to bottom) Prime Minister, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table. The Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters sits to the side of the NCF. From the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table, the flow drops down into two paths. The left path goes to the Young Veterans Contemporary Needs Forum and the Female Veterans and Families Forum, with the right path going to the National Aged and Community Care Forum and the Operational Working Party. Below these two roles, the separate paths then both flow into the bottom-most role of State Consultation Forums.

The one exception to the hierarchical flow is a path which provides for flow back upwards direct from the State Consultation Forums to the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (thus providing the option of bypassing both the left and right referral pathways.

The one exception to the hierarchical flow is a path which provides for flow back upwards direct from the State Consultation Fora to the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (thus providing the option of bypassing both the left and right referral pathways.

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Operational Aspects

All consultative forums at a national and state level will operate with defined work agenda, formal Terms of Reference, standardised secretariat services to assist the framework

Referrals

The ESORT can refer any matter to another national forum and/or state-based forums for consideration. Subordinate state-based forums can equally refer issues to the national ESORT for consultation.

As deemed appropriate by the Chair and assessed on a case-by-case basis, matters may also be referred from the ESORT to other consultative bodies to which DVA contributes and that exist outside the National Consultation Framework.

Nominations:

Organisations represented on NCF forums are to consider the Terms of Reference, as well as the intent and the objectives of the forum, when nominating a representative to form part of the membership.

The National President or Chairperson of the organisation will nominate a representative, providing a brief statement in support of the nominations, as well as the nominated individuals’ resumes.

Membership:

The ESO Round Table (ESORT) comprises the National Presidents or their equivalents of the member organisations.

Female Veterans Families Forum (FVFF) was established to provide a platform for female veterans family members to raise issues directly with the Government and DVA

The National Aged and Community Care Forum (NACCF) brings together a range of aged care experts, including ESOs and those in the aged care industry.

The Operational Working Party (OWP) provides the department with the opportunity to inform the members on matters of operational policy and discuss potential improvements, and for the members to raise operational matters of concern.

The Younger Veterans - Contemporary Needs Forum (YVF) comprises of younger serving or former serving members with contemporary experience (post 1999) or representative who have a direct association with contemporary conflicts (e.g widows / partners)

State and Territory forums comprise representatives from state and sub-branches of a number of ESOs.

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Consultation with the ex-service community

This section provides information on DVA’s work with the ex-service organisation (ESO) community relating to the National Consultation Framework and its constituent forums.

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National Consultation Framework

Working with the ex-service community is an important objective of the Department and Government.

The National Consultation Framework is a formal consultative structure designed to facilitate effective communication between the veteran and ex-service community, the Repatriation and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commissions, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA).

The National Consultation Framework comprises national state and territory Forums. More information on each of the forums, including membership and Terms of Reference, can be found through the links on the menu to the left. Special interest groups or industry specific groups required to address particular needs may be formed to complement the framework.

More information on the National Consultation Framework.