Ex-Service Organisations

Mrs Markus asked the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, in writing, on 12 May 2009:

1. Are ex-service organisations entitled to access Australian Defence Force (ADF) bases to assist personnel during the transition from defence to civilian life.
2. What information, or referral to ex-service organisations, is made available to ADF personnel upon discharge.
3. Who determines whether ADF personnel can speak with ex-service organisations on ADF bases.

Mr Combet - The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

1. and 3. Yes, however, ex-service organisations do not have an automatic entitlement to enter ADF bases.  Organisations may be sponsored by units or individuals to come onto a base to conduct one-off briefings or provide services. The use of ADF facilities for ex-service organisations to provide advice or advocacy services on an ad-hoc basis is a matter for individual Unit Commanders under the sponsorship arrangements.
2. Separating (discharging) ADF personnel are provided with information about ex-service organisations, including how to access them, during separation interviews.  If the ADF member requests advocacy assistance with compensation claims, they are referred to the regional Training and Information Program chairperson, who is responsible for connecting the ADF member to an appropriately trained ex-service organisation representative.
   
   Information is also disseminated during ADF Transition Seminars that include presentations by ex-service organisations and Training and Information Program representatives, as well as ex-service organisation information stands. 
   
   ADF personnel may refer themselves to ex-service organisations and can obtain information about them through the promotional material contained in the Service newspapers. 

close