DVA shopfront services

Folks,

For quite some time we’ve all been collectively concerned about the ‘creep’ towards many DVA shopfront services being provided out of Centerlink offices. That includes veterans’ ageing issues and payment of DVA disability pensions.

Among other things, David Jamison discussed that particular conundrum the other day with the new Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. While the Minister was yet to formulating his approach to how he sees his Ministry fulfilling its responsibilities, he did agree with David that it made good sense to potentially use available ESO facilities that are suitable for providing services in lieu of Centrelink.

The Minister went so far as to suggest that if ADSO member Associations and other ESOs could be surveyed to identify suitable facilities for such a purpose, he would consider the possibility of adopting David’s idea going forward. Having talked to the Minister’s staff myself about this too I can report that they are very enthusiastic about examining the possibilities.

On David’s behalf, could I ask all addressees for an input on what office space and other facilities (phone and network connections) your Association could make available either on a full or part-time basis should the idea take serious hold. As the Minister is willing to look at all this in the near term can I request, please, a reply by 26 October. By all means give me some thoughts on the proposal and even an indication should you have no facilities to offer. I’ll consolidate and summarise inputs before letting everyone know what it is that we can offer.

Subject to your OK, this issue can be added as an agenda topic for review at the upcoming ESORT Pre-meeting.

Best Regards

Alf

Alf Jaugietis

Executive Director

Defence Force Welfare Association

Phone 02 6265 9530 | Mobile 0438 282 284

PO Box 4166 KINGSTON ACT 2604

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