NATIONAL VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE NVAC CANBERRA 21 FEBRUARY 2013 MINUTES

Transcription

1 NATIONAL VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE NVAC CANBERRA 21 FEBRUARY 2013 MINUTES National Headquarters Returned & Services League of Australia Limited A.C.N G.P.O. Box 303 Canberra A.C.T Telephone: (02) Fax: (02) "THE PRICE OF LIBERTY IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE"

2 THE RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA LTD ACN NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING Held at 65 Constitutional Avenue Campbell ACT 2612 RSL National Headquarters - Canberra 0900 Thursday 21 February 2013 MINUTES 1. Silence in Memory of Departed Comrades was observed at Welcome The Chairman welcomed all in attendance. Attendance Present Mr John Hodges JP Mr Jeff Jackson OAM Mr Arthur Craig OAM Mr John Haines AM Mr Darren McManus-Smith Ms Wendy Rydon MAJGEN David McLachlan AO (Retd) Mr Denis Connelly Mr Mickey Michaelis NVAC Chairman NVAC Deputy Chairman ACT NVAC Delegate NSW State V-President NSW NVAC Delegate SA NVAC Delegate VIC State President WA NVAC Delegate NVAC Secretary Apologies Mr Bruce Topperwien Mrs Kathleen Craig Ms Robyn Collins Mr Viv Quinn Mr Mark Keynes Di Capus Mr David Skinner National Research Consultant ACT NVAC Delegate NSW NVAC Delegate QLD NVAC Delegate SA NVAC Delegate SA NVAC TAS State Delegate Guest Speakers Ms Gayle Anderson Assistant Secretary, Service Development & Defence Relations from DVA and AIRCDRE Steve Martin Defence Support Manager from Defence who are the co-authors of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Defence and DVA. 3. Confirmation of Minutes a. MOTION That the Minutes of the meeting held in Canberra on 11 October 2012 were confirmed. Proposed VIC Seconded WA Carried

3 4. Business Arising NVAC noted that: a. The Secretary tabled the latest Action Sheet for review. The updated Action Sheet with minute notes is herewith annexed marked A. b. VIC (Anne Pahl) was unable as yet to locate Ray Brown of the Severely Injured Ex Service men and women (Injured Service Persons Associations) (ISPA) to advise him of NVAC s offer of assistance. Anne would continue with her efforts to make contact with ISPA (2010/5); c. DVA had resolved the issues of cases where the veteran was liable to a loss of pension or portion thereof by issuing Department circular C of 1 August 2012 (2010/7), which had been circulated to all members. The Chairman stated that this was now closed as the Commission had issued the guideline in favour of the veteran which was a satisfactory outcome for the League s efforts; d. The Chairman confirmed that the paper on returning the responsibilities of carers of veterans back to DVA was in progress and should be available by the next meeting.(2010/9 and 2011/17) It was agreed that the draft to be circulated would remain in house until a firm RSL policy had been approved; e. The Chairman undertook to establish who was on the DVA approved list of hearing aid suppliers and the request that an RSL representative be appointed to the DVA Committee which was chaired by John Vincent from Victoria, to bring to the attention of all suppliers that over servicing of vulnerable veterans was unacceptable. This was due to the fact that a top up acceptance of a hearing device annulled the maintenance agreement which DVA has on the Gold Card with the holder. (2010/24) f. The Chairman confirmed that INCAP payments delays continued to be examined at the OWP. He would raise this issue with Gail Anderson when she delivered her presentation on the MOU. She was also familiar with and responsible for the operation of the SAM (2011/13); g. The Mental Health Rehabilitation Scheme, which was raised by the National President in his submission and newsletters, was addressed by David McLachlan VIC. (2011/16) It was noted that Dr Bain was originally tasked to prepare a draft for the National President as mental health issues were one of the top priorities in the Budget submission to the Prime Minister. VIC undertook to raise where Dr Bain paper was going at the next National Executive meeting; h. The following issues were outstanding (2012/01 & 2012/02): i. For COS to provide a report to the NP and NVAC, on an appeal to the CDF to expedite transition management medical examinations and reports, would be discussed at the COS meeting next week following NVAC; ii. An update as to the performance of OBAS and the Recovery Centres where ESOs were heavily involved was tabled by the Chairman following the OWP meeting. It iii. appeared that the majority of enquiries to OBAS were Defence housing loans related; The issues tabled under the Emerging Issues Forum which appeared to fall under NVAC for action with DVA and Government continue to fall under COS jurisdiction from a League s point of view. The Chairman would request clarity and communicate the National Executive s view to all NVAC members; i. Progress on Bills being presented to Parliament during this budget sessions includes the Veterans Entitlements Amendment (Claims for Travel Expenses) Bill However draft bills were sitting in Committee awaiting final approval as the funds have been allocated to be delivered before July 2013.(2012/03). j. Applications for Guide to determining Ch 19 v- Offsetting had been resolved through Commission Guideline CM6719. (2012/04) and was to be removed from the action sheet;

4 k. The Chairman agreed to submit the latest EI reports from VIC and NSW to COS in February. (2012/05) VIC requested reports back from COS and the Chairman agreed to inform NVAC members accordingly. VIC advised that they would raise this issue with the National Executive and hoped that NVAC would receive copies of the COS and Defence minutes for information or that a report of them be placed on the web site. It was agreed that it would also be of assistance to the subcommittee chairpersons when prosecuting the Leagues position at DVA and Defence meetings and forums; l. It was agreed that DVA would be approached by the Chair at the next ESO meeting on the latest developments to support TIP accreditation for practioners (2012/06); m. It was agreed to report back to NVAC Secretary within three weeks on the views and suggestions for the new web site which members described as not as effective with news as the former(2012/06). Suggestions raised DVA and Defence media releases, new committee Parliament House RSS feeds, RMA notices of changes to SOPs etc.; n. The National Executive had not agreed to set up a Fund to address legal costs whereby the RSL would support cases brought before the courts which challenged the awards and rights of veterans and serving personnel. (2012/07) The first case approved was the matter between the Repatriation Commission v Bawden; however the leave to appeal was not supported. It would be again reviewed should the leave to appeal be successful with the High Court; and o. It was agreed to have a Legal Issues included in the Action Sheet. (2013/01) 5. Veterans and Military Compensation NVAC discussed and noted the latest status on the MRCA Review as follows:: a. The Chairman provided a background to the Partner Service Pension Bill and the RSL concerns with the loss of pension by a partner of a service person where there was a separation for longer than twelve months. This was later amended after the League submitted an objection to the Senate Committee; b. He confirmed that he would be discussing the exposure draft MRCA Bill on 22 March 2013 with the Department at the ESO Round Table for final comment; and c. Delegates were asked to keep a watchful eye out for the request for submissions from Parliament through registering on the Parliament House RSS feeds. 6. CMVH No report has been received from CMVH, however it was noted that Associate Professor Peter Nasveld had been appointed as the Acting Director of CMVH following the retirement of Professor Peter Warfe in December DVA Fora a. Operational Working Party (OWP) The Chairman reported on the meeting held during 5 February i. Post Afghanistan Veteran Support Paper (Meeting 11, Item 3) The summary looked towards the future and discussed the RSL views on the League s NSW model: a. What types of support do ESOs currently or are planning to offer to ADF members returning from Afghanistan; b. How were ESO engaging with Contemporary veterans; and c. How could DVA improve its operational policy to best promote quality and accountability in service delivery to contemporary veterans; ii. States agreed to forward to the Chairman details of how they approach and deliver support in their States within four weeks;

5 iii. Revised Guidelines of the Re-Training Charter in the Rehabilitation Manual (Meeting 11, Item 6) iv. Retraining and further education including higher education amended to include all ranks and was dependent upon suitability, merit and aptitude and not rank. Case studies were presented; v. Update on Implementation of Government Response to the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements (Meeting 11, Item 6) vi. ESOs would be consulted in March/April 2013 before the introduction before Parliament; vii. Order of Assessing Claims under MRCA viii. The following issues were addressed: a. The advantage to some clients who may receive higher compensation outcomes under multiple Acts based on the order in which they submit their claims; and b. The disadvantage to some clients who may be ineligible for a Gold Card or Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) under MRCA as a result of the order in which they have submitted claims under multiple Acts; ix. It was noted that where you put a MRCA claim in before the VEA one would receive a higher compensation than if one submitted the VEA first before MRCA and PI claims due to the impairment points from the VEA or SRCA; x. Options for amendments were then discussed and option 2 was recommended in view of a discretionary waiver; xi. States agreed to forward to the Chairman their preferences by Friday 8 March 2013; xii. OBAS Statistics xiii. OBAS statistics were noted; xiv. Delegates were reminded that OWP agenda items may be submitted at any time; xv. Hearing aid appliances and accessories costs and compensation would be raised at the next OWP by the Chairman. b. National Health Aged and Community Care (NHACC) NVAC noted the comprehensive report submitted by Ms Wendy Bateman (VIC) and that there were no recommendations required at the moment. Mr Vincent appeared on a DoHA health committee in regard to hearing services and the Chairman would raise the issues of hearing aids and appliances at the next OWP meeting. NVAC noted the response from the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, the Hon Catherine King, to VIC s concerns about joint injections for people with severe arthritis. VIC does not accept the response received and has requested further particulars from Arthritis Australia. NVAC noted the League s responses to the Director Legislation Section Transition Branch Ageing and Aged Care Division through a comprehensive submission on the LLLB Bill VIC had also submitted an application for a veteran s questionnaire to be inserted into the 2016 Census which was supported by DVA. c. Emerging Issues (EIF) NVAC noted that the EI forum was to meet in the near future and therefore no report has been submitted for consideration:

6 d. National Mental Health Forum (NMH) No report was received for this meeting however one would be issued shortly with the release of the minutes. e. Regional Stakeholders Forum (RSF) No reports of issues were received from the States or RSFs individually. 8. RSL - NHACF NVAC noted: i. The detailed reports tabled by Wendy Bateman; ii. States have made individual submissions to their Health Ministers promoting compulsory packaging requirements; iii. NACA reports were examined and the Secretary NVAC reported that Government currently utilises this effective alliance to formulate its policy recommendations. Difficulties may arise should there be a change of government as the Opposition favoured a Medicare Locals option instead of the preferred method of a gateway being promoted in the Health and Ageing portfolio; iv. QLD agreed to provide NHACF with candidate for their State; v. NVAC recorded their appreciation to Ms Wendy Bateman for her efforts on behalf of the League; vi. NVAC discussed and agreed that their focus and interests centred on the consumer aspect of aged care for their constituents. It was acknowledged that the League owned certain aged care assets; however this did not detract from their primary objective of taking care of their service, ex-service, war widows and dependents. The Secretary NVAC would respond accordingly to RSL Care SA advising them of NVAC s position as a customer noting that other large national providers are administered through central administrations internally; 9. Conditions of Service Committee (COS) NVAC noted the minutes of 3 December The National President has successfully approached Minister Snowdon with a view to inviting the Warrant Officers of the three Services to become members of COS. He would now be approaching the Service Chiefs on their views. The Chairman agreed to raise the following at the next COS meeting shortly: i. COS views to expedite transition management medical examinations and reports for his NP s draft submission; ii. the advice received from COS in regard to an appeal to the CDF to expedite transition management medical examinations and reports within the Integrated People Support Strategy (IPSS), incorporating i. On Base Advisory Service (OBAS), and ii. Transition Management Services (TMS) consolidated programs; and iii. COS deliberations on issues raised in the previous EI and NSWYVF s reports to assist with the latest thinking and approaches on behalf of serving ADF members.

7 10. BEST/TIP Review 11. RMA 12. DVA NVAC noted that there was no further progress reported from DVA following their requests for information. The Chairman agreed to raise this issue at the next ESO RT. It was agreed that investigations would not be listed in future, however where RMA advise of a removal of a factor of the subject matter would be tabled as it was stipulated within the Act that the RMA was obliged to advise ESOs. NVAC noted that: a. One bill was before Parliament at this time namely Veterans Entitlements Amendment (Claims for Travel Expenses) Bill 2010 with the second reading tabled on 22 August 2012 in the Senate. No speeches have been made on this bill yet and other minor variations and obsolete definitions. 13. TIP Accreditation The confirmed that he would raise the status of accreditation with the Secretary DVA at the next ESO meeting on 26 March 2013 at which he was representing the National President. 14. VRB Nothing to report 15. State Issues a. TAS to report on the evaluation of closures of veterans centres due to lack of funds at the next meeting; b. QLD raised the issue of keeping the States informed with submissions pertaining to the membership of the League and referred to the recent submission on mental health included in SWIIP. NVAC agreed that matters concerning veterans and ex-service members were tabled before the committee and all States were kept informed of submissions and their progress. However where other committees such as COS were concerned it was not an automatic procedure and the Chairman undertook to keep the States informed where possible and when the information was made available; c. SA reported that due to the resignation of Joy Handicott, Mark Keynes would service the NT for veterans affairs; d. SA tabled the latest Defence Instructions (General) PERS 11-3 for consideration by all States; e. SA advised that it was difficult to accommodate DVA s urgent requests for nominations from WW II veterans to attend commemoration services in time as these veterans required exhaustive medical reports to accompany their nominations;

8 f. VIC reported that HACC support had been withdrawn from June 2013 in VIC. All States were recommended to check whether this applied within their States; g. VIC advised that they had been subjected to abuse from mainly contemporary veterans, some suffering from PTSD, demanding that family accommodation be provided by the League at geographical areas of their choice, three bedrooms with lock up garage etc. while receiving treatment. MAJGEN David McLachlan was dealing with this through the DVA EI forum, as the departments view was that they did not have the resources to meet these expectations through promises were originally made at the commencement of service, and therefore candidates, who see this as an entitlement, should approach ESOs direct; h. It was agreed that VIC raise, at the next National Executive, the issue of medical services supplied to on base personnel were failing acceptable standards in reality, whereas Defence Health were led to believe full medical support was being provided by contractors. It was noted that the National President had received a reply from Rear Admiral Robyn Walker confirming no difficulties were being experienced. This had been forwarded to all State s Presidents; 16. VITA The Secretary NVAC had nothing further to report. 17. Other Business NVAC noted: i. Lilley-v-Comcare The Chairman reported that an appeal has been lodged in the full Federal Court and no further action could be undertaken until a judgement; ii. Inquiry into the Care of Wounded and Injured on Operations The Secretary NVAC reported that no official response had been received from the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel and it was noted that Committee meetings were in the process of being heard. However at the time of subscribing the minutes, the RSL has been informed that the National and RSL QLD Presidents would be appearing as witnesses before the Defence Sub Committee of the Joint Standing Committee, on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, at 1800 on Tuesday 12 March This would be at Parliament House. It was further noted that Mrs Julie Blackburn, National Convenor of the Defence Families of Australia (She is also a member of the RSL National Conditions of Service Committee) would appear at iii. iv. VIC reported that the civilian medical teams which operated under Command during the Vietnam War were seeking VEA entitlements. It was noted that they had been awarded the AASM and Vietnam Service Medal; however they now sought views from the League. MAJGEN David McLachlan would refer this to the National Executive for discussion. VIC requested WA to review and report on their State s program for the recycling of graves and war graves in particular as difficulties have surfaced in VIC with unidentified deceased ex-service persons who were classified with PTSD like symptoms and hospitalised. WA agreed to report their results to VIC.

9 v. RSL Web Site The Chairman raised the issue of difficulties in navigating the new web site and requested States opinions from a practioners, pension officer or advocates view point and forward them to Secretary NVAC within two weeks. 18. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DVA and Defence Guest Speakers, Ms Gayle Anderson, Assistant Secretary, Service Development & Defence Relations from DVA and AIRCDRE Steve Martin, Defence Support Program Manager from Defence are the co-authors of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Defence and DVA were welcomed to the meeting by the Chairman. They introduced the MOU by providing a summary of the key and agreed principles to members which included a commitment to deliver the best possible outcomes for service and ex-service personnel, widows, widowers and dependants, wounded ill or injured and veterans of contemporary conflicts. The complete MOU is available on the DVA website. The meeting jointly thanked most sincerely both guest speakers for their presentation and the amount of effort expended in developing such a comprehensive MOU. 19. Next Meeting The next NVAC meeting will be held at 0900 on11 July 2013 in Canberra. 20. Closure The Chairman thanked all members and closed the meeting at H M Michaelis Secretary J M Hodges Chairman

10 NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (NVAC) Annexure A ACTION ITEM CHECKLIST Date of Meeting Minute Number Action Item Action To be Completed By Whom Status 12/03/ / / / Ongoing. VIC to report Closed Research Ongoing / / (vii) Victoria sought NVAC s support in providing a forum for the Severely Injured Ex-Service men and women. The Chairman undertook to contact Ray Brown, National President of the Injured Service Persons Association, to propose opportunities of NVAC cooperation with them and provide the Committee s specialist knowledge to support them. Anne Pahl was unsuccessful. (VIC agreed to report on their attempts through their contacts at DoHA meetings) 8. d It was agreed that States would forward to the Chairman examples of cases where the veteran was liable to lose part of his pension in view of an amendment with his impairment points through lack of knowledge or withdrawal of claim. This would be raised at the next OWP to ensure procedure consistency over all States. (Note - that where the DVA delegate sights new evidence which appears to indicate that the claimant was being paid at a higher rate the delegate would be obliged to take action in terms of the various Acts under which Commonwealth Departments affect payments) Matter successfully closed in favour of the veteran) 6. b The Chairman reported on the USA Department of Veterans Affairs. It was resolved that the Chairman develop a paper on returning the responsibilities of carers of veterans back to DVA and review the carer s allowances and pensions. (Combine with 2011/17 below) The Chairman circulated details of the DVA Neuromonics Tinnitus Trial to all States. Chairman to obtain list of DVA hearing aid suppliers at next OWP meeting c. It was noted that incapacity payments were taking too long to be processed by DVA with the resultant loss of wages. All SAPOF members have been advised by Reg Tulip of the Single Access Mechanism [SAM] Process to be introduced within their States with a contact in Canberra Ongoing. Ongoing. New MOU between Defence and DVA would resolve these issues 12/03/2013 1

11 NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (NVAC) Annexure A ACTION ITEM CHECKLIST Date of Meeting Minute Number Action Item Action To be Completed By Whom Status 12/03/ / A That the Government develop a national mental health rehabilitation scheme for veterans suffering with chronic mental health problems based on individual case assessment and management programs and the Chairman agreed to draft a letter for the National President incorporating Government s policy as set out in the Department of Health s National Health Reform Program VIC agreed to raise the issue at the next National Executive State President VIC VIC to raise the progress of Dr Bain s paper at the next National Executive meeting. Ongoing / / / / / / / b 5 b 5 c 8 c 11 b 17 i It was agreed that NVAC through the Chairman would request a report to be presented to the NP by the COS Committee for an appeal to the CDF to expedite transition management medical examinations and reports The Chairman agreed to request a report from the OWP at the meeting after July 2012 as to how the OBAS and Recovery Centres were performing and were they meeting expectations Chairman to table report It was agreed to keep a watching brief on the Bills to be presented to Parliament in regard to the Government Response to Recommendations from the report of the Review of Military was awaited. The Chairman would table the EI report from VIC and NSWYVF s report at the next COS meeting to assist with the latest thinking and approaches on behalf of serving ADF members Emerging issues (Nov) to be sent to COS (Done by the Secretary NVAC) NVAC agreed that the TIP modules should be independently accredited by an accreditation agency for pension and welfare officers and advocates. It was agreed to place an NVAC report of its minutes on the national website following the release of minutes and the establishment of a dedicated web section on the new site Legal Issues Bawden ats- Repatriation Commission Result of seeking leave to appeal Legal Issues Lilley v- Comcare All NVAC Members Secretary NVAC to request views at next NX meeting Ongoing. Ongoing.. Check through RSS feeds Chairman would raise these issues again at the next COS meeting Chairman to approach the Secretary DVA with proposal Ongoing Ongoing Awaiting outcome of Leave to Appeal Ongoing Awaiting outcome of Appeal 12/03/2013 2

12 NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (NVAC) Annexure A ACTION ITEM CHECKLIST Date of Meeting Minute Number Action Item Action To be Completed By Whom Status 12/03/ / / iii 17 v Civilian Medical Team entitlements (VIC agreed to raise the issue of VEA entitlements in view of their award of the AASM and Vietnam Service Medal at the next NX meeting) RSL NHQ Web Site (All states agreed to submit their senior advocates, pension and welfare officers views on the difficulties in navigation the new web site to the NVAC Secretary within two weeks State President VIC All States Ongoing Ongoing 12/03/2013 3

13 Annexure B National Mental Health Forum Tuesday 12 February 2013 Following the Chairman s introductory remarks the forum discussed the minutes from the meeting Wednesday 3 rd October 2012 and the business arising from that meeting. The Chair informed the members of the Department s restructure particularly the newly formed Mental and Social Health Branch. The Chair mentioned some of the Department s current policy themes including: The changing needs of current cohorts, such as emerging contemporary veterans and the ageing Vietnam veteran cohort moving into retirement and aged care; Use of new technologies and ways to reach former serving personnel - such as the Australian version of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) application; and Promoting the importance of mental health in the Department - that it is everyone s business across all the Divisions and Branches. The Chair spoke about the Parliamentary Inquiry on Care and Support for ADF personnel wounded and injured on operations. National Mental Health Survey. The Mental Health Survey was conducted in 2007 and there were two items in the survey: 1) have you ever served in the ADF; and 2) have you ever submitted a claim with DVA? 8,000 Australian households were surveyed, of which only 168 of the women surveyed had claimed with DVA, and only 53 of those had served with the ADF. Of the males surveyed, only 360 had claimed with DVA. A decision has been made to over survey if a further survey is conducted and DVA will work with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on this. Ms Hancock spoke of the impending release of DVA s National Mental Health Survey and will present on the survey and findings in 2013.

14 Annexure B Status of the Recommendations of Dunt Ms Connolly reported that 16 recommendations have been implemented and five are outstanding with some of those close to completion. An update was provided on: Recommendation Review of Operation Life Suicide Prevention workshops The final report for the review of Operation Life workshops conducted by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (Griffith University) was received in May 2012 and provided to the provider of the workshop, Living Works, for feedback. Feedback has been reviewed and a submission will go to the Commission later this year. The current Operation Life contract was extended until 30 June The Government will continue to support the workshops. Recommendation Need for a Suicide study for contemporary veterans The suicide study will be considered after completion of the study into the health effects of service on families (Family Study), which is not anticipated to conclude until Recommendation Relating to appropriate recognition for serving personnel discharging as a result of mental health This is a Defence initiative. A Defence representative could not attend the meeting, but this recommendation is in progress and a scoping study is underway. Recommendation The Touch base program The Touch base program is a joint ADF and DVA initiative which comprises two elements; The Touch base website and the E-newsletter. A 12 month trial of the program was completed on 21 March 2012, followed by an evaluation which has recently been completed and under consideration by the Department. Recommendation Evaluate DVA mental health strategy This recommendation has been implemented with a two staged approach: 1) Review of DVA mental health policy, to be completed during 2012; and 2) The Right Mix - Your Health and Alcohol website and mobile application. Members agreed that contemporary veterans and their needs should be considered in relation to programs such as Heart Health which currently targets Vietnam and older veterans. There were also concerns raised about drug and steroid use in the younger age group, which can result in injuries which differ from older veterans. Members discussed whether the needs of contemporary veterans were significantly different to those of Vietnam veterans and agreed that expectations, attitudes and lifestyles were the significant differences between both older and younger veterans.

15 Annexure B Dr Killer advised there is now a better understanding on the impact of trauma on veterans and their families compared to Vietnam veterans and that cultural changes have occurred. Dr Killer suggested it may be worthwhile establishing a buddy system or adding information on Mental Health on the internet such as self-help tools. There is a need for programs that are appropriate and gender specific, as women will respond differently to trauma and therefore their needs will be different. Dr Killer concluded that Vietnam veterans rehabilitation was based on psychosocial wellbeing; whereas contemporary veterans focus on rehabilitation, vocational training and education to find other work post service. The rehabilitation services provided by Defence and DVA were discussed and the Chair agreed that a presentation on these support mechanisms and differences that may exist from state-to-state will be provided at the next meeting Coordinated Veterans Care Program (CVC) Social Isolation The CVC Program is a new initiative that commenced in May 2011 and helps eligible Gold Card holders with their chronic conditions and complex care needs. The program is designed for people with risk factors including: Pneumonia; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Coronary artery disease; and Diabetes. Congestive heart failure. To be eligible, participants must have a Gold Card, live in the community, have one or more chronic conditions, be at risk of frequent hospitalisation and have complex care needs. Those with a terminal condition, or who live in a residential aged care facility or are participating in a Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) program are not eligible. At present, treated participants range from 39 to 99 years of age. The program offers assistance to those most at risk of social isolation. When their partner dies, the risk of social isolation is very great and their health often deteriorates. A short term intervention in blocks of 12 weeks is delivered through Veterans Home Care and participants are encouraged to join clubs and engage in activities. DVA has a factsheet available, HCS10 - Coordinated Veterans Care Social Assistance which provides further information on these support programs. Uptake of the program is not as good as the Department would like, partially because general practitioners (GPs) don t really know their patients as well as they would like and don t have the time to thoroughly monitor them. It is an innovative and new program that has a preventative focus to empower people to socially engage and therefore independently care for their holistic wellbeing. ESOs can also support this program such as taking participants to activities and clubs.

16 Annexure B Mental health is not a targeted area, although large numbers of participants have mental health conditions. Mental health services and counselling could possibly be Nurses (mostly Registered Nurses) play a very important role in the program including Coordinating the CVC plan Reminding participants of upcoming appointments and encouraging attendance Following up with participants after attending activities to build up confidence Reviewing milestone goals during the 12 weeks Provide feedback to GP Evaluation at the end of the 12 weeks Communication with Veteran Home Care assessment agencies Encouraging the participant to continue with the social activity after the 12 weeks. It was acknowledged that in rural and remote areas, nurses could conduct home visits but this would be the GP s decision and there are issues in relation to the availability of doctors and nurses providing home visits. More information on the CVC program is available at the following: info@cvchelpline.net.au ADF Mental Health Prevalence Study and implications for the Department Dr Hodson provided a PowerPoint presentation and distributed the study report to the members. Dr Hodson, who led the ADF Mental Health Prevalence Study, identified the background to the study, namely those who serve in the ADF have an increased likelihood of suffering from depression which is higher than the general population, due to unusual environmental exposures and the changing risks of combat, peacekeeping and training. Dr Hodson noted the study did not include reservists due to financial constraints. The most common disorder is anxiety, and PTSD is higher than the general community. Dr Hodson commented that whilst incidence of PTSD was resultant from exposure to events including seeing someone badly injured, the death of someone close, threat with a weapon or life threatening automobile accident, it was discovered that unexpected events cause most cases of PTSD. There was no link found between deployment and mental health as those on deployments usually came home with a sense of achievement and fulfilment.

17 Annexure B The most surprising results of the study were in relation to alcohol; that there is less alcohol disorder in the ADF than the comparative ABS community. The study also found there were higher rates of suicide ideation but a lower actual suicide rate - 40% lower than expected VVCS Eligibility - update Ms Hancock and Mr Pennell provided a PowerPoint presentation on VVCS Eligibility which has grown and changed over its lifetime. VVCS eligibility is limited; however at present there are 10,000 clients receiving VVCS counselling annually, of which more than half are post-vietnam veterans. Despite limited eligibility, members were advised that VVCS won t turn anyone away and can provide up to five compassionate counselling sessions then can refer them on elsewhere. The VVCS review is looking at broader eligibility, specifically in relation to family members and ex-serving members without operational service and how specific groups are defined. Any expansion of eligibility would require legislative amendment. There is also a need for a wider spectrum of professional support associated with an extension to eligibility, such as geriatric and childhood counselling. The Chair advised the VVCS review is independent of the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) and does not replicate the services provided by DCO. For example, DCO provides crisis support, but not long term counselling. DCO have social workers available and often refer clients to VVCS and also maintain a national helpline.

18 Annexure B Following the conformation of the minutes of the previous meeting Brigadier Chris Appleton presented an abbreviated version of a Power Point Presentation titled A Military Culture Workshop which is presented to DVA staff. The object of this program is: Increase awareness of the veteran community Provide an insight into military training and culture Consider a range of veteran experiences and the potential impacts on mental health and wellbeing Raise awareness of DVA mental health resources As at 31 January 2013 there have been 67 sessions conducted since February 2012 to 1447 staff. The program provides an insight into: What is military culture Operational history Peacekeeping history ADF non-operational fatalities Reintegration post operational service Service Experiences/exposure to war And a host of other topics designed to enhance the civilian staff s understanding of the Military. Ms Barbara Fenemore from Alzheimer s Australia provided a verbal presentation; Mr Sean Farrelly provided a verbal update on the Rehabilitation services provided by DVA an update on The Edge rehabilitation program. Ms Veronica Hancock, Assistant Secretary Mental and Social Health, on The Mental Health Strategy 2013 and an update on Mental Health Videos and Programs. Terry Meehan RSL Representative Mental Health Forum.

19 Annexure B