Griffin Calls On Wa Veterans To Put Their Best Voice Forward

< BACK TO GOVERNMENTS starstarstarstarstar   Government - Governments Press Release
3rd July 2008, 05:12pm - Views: 796





Government Government Minister For Veterans' Affairs 1 image





The Hon Alan Griffin MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs


VA063


Thursday 3 July 2008 


GRIFFIN CALLS ON WA VETERANS TO PUT THEIR BEST VOICE FORWARD

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, will be in Perth this Monday seeking the views of local

veterans on the best way to give them a more effective voice at the highest levels of government.


Minister Griffin said meetings to be held nation-wide would discuss the structure and role of the Prime

Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters—a key election commitment.  Perth will be the

second of eight meetings around the country.


“More than 100 individuals and organisations from all around Australia responded to a discussion paper

on the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-Service Matters released earlier this year, including 12

from Western Australia,” Mr Griffin said.


”Their submissions demonstrate very strong support for the Advisory Council and its role, but have

raised issues that need further discussion. 


“During the parliamentary recess I will be travelling to meet veterans in every state and territory to

discuss these issues in person.  I am looking forward to hearing the views of Perth’s large and active

ex-service and veteran community.


“There are a number of options on the table, including membership, appointment of the chair, how

matters are referred to the Council, how it should operate and how it relates to my Department.


“The Government is also reviewing all consultation mechanisms between the Department of Veterans’

Affairs and the broader defence and ex-service communities.  This will also be discussed at Monday’s

meeting.


“I want to ensure the Council meets the needs of veterans and ex-service personnel before its

establishment later this year.  These consultation meetings with veterans and the veteran community are

essential to achieve that goal.


“I expect there will be a range of opinions and robust discussion, but I know that we share the goal of

looking out for the best interests of all those who have served Australia in uniform.


“I encourage all veterans and members of the West Australian veteran community interested in the

Prime Ministerial Advisory Council to attend the meeting and contribute to the discussion.


“Following these consultation meetings I intend to appoint the Advisory Council by the end of August.”


The meeting is on Monday 7 July 2008 from 10.00am to 12.00pm on the 5th Floor, AMP Building, 140 St

Georges Terrace, Perth.  Further details of meetings and copies of submissions are available at

minister.dva.gov.au/PMAC/index.htm.


Meeting RSVPs:  08 9366 8261

Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109






news articles logo NEWS ARTICLES
Contact News Articles |Remove this article