Deputy Commissioners Consultative Forum

Tasmania

10 July 2013

Present:

Jan HydeDeputy Commissioner TAS (Chair)

Joan Cooper War Widows Guild

Michael RomalisAustralian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association

Des Berry Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Association

Robert Dick Return Services League Tasmania

James McDermott Naval Association of Australia

Hans GrambergNaval Association of Australia (observer)

Terry Byrne OAMLegacy Launceston

Anne James Executive Officer, DVA

Chloe Mansfield Scribe,DVA

Apologies:

Charles Hill RAAF Association TAS

Wendy James Partners of Veterans Association TAS

Warwick LuttrellVietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia

Annette Wyatt Legacy Hobart

John WrightVietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia (proxy)

Guest Speaker:

Anthony SpeedState Manager Tasmania, Department of Health and Ageing

Business arising

  • Centenary ANZAC Local Grants Program there will be no consideration of grants during the caretaker period.
  • VVCS video conference facility will be used until the VAN Launceston facility comes online.
  • Mental Health Strategic Plan was released on 27 May 2013.

Matters Discussed

  • Strong take up on mobile phone applications “PTSD Coach Australia” and “Right Mix”.
  • Veterans Health Week will be held between 14 and 20 October 2013. The funding has been confirmed. The theme will be “Physical Activity”.
  • VAN Launceston will locate to 105/287 Charles Street and will be opened by the Secretary, Simon Lewis PSM on 30 July 2013.
  • Anthony Speed, State Manager Tasmania (Department of Health and Ageing) gave a presentation about the Aged Care Reform Package, Living Longer Living Better.

Divisional Updates

Health and Community Services Division

  • Veterans are encouraged to register for Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (E-Health)
  • As at 4 April 2013 there are 17,000 Gold Card holders enrolled into the Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Program.
  • The first annual Veterans’ Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme (VPRS) reimbursements have occurred.
  • Hospital statistics were provided for Tasmania.
  • Active SRCA clients will be transitioned from a reimbursement pathway to treatment card arrangements by 10 December 2013.
  • Non Liability Health Care specifically relating to Mental Health conditions were discussed.

Rehabilitation and Support Division

  • F111 implementation discussed.
  • Discussion Papers – The Future of Veterans’ Advocacy and Refining the Appeal Process to a Single Pathway. Comments and feedback by 30 September 2013.
  • Best Round 15 results to be advised soon.
  • Rehabilitation Transition Project remains a work in progress.

Client and Commemorations Division

  • National consultation framework 2009 is currently being reviewed. Survey data collection has been completed. Results to follow.
  • The Memorandum of Understanding between DVA and Defence was signed February 2013 relating to shared responsibility of health services for Defence members.
  • In 2012 there were approximately 7,500 OBAS enquiries nationally from ADF members, with approximately 2,400 ADF members new to DVA.
  • The Department funded a comprehensive study regarding the health and wellbeing of female veterans. More is being done to consider the needs of female members with DVA funding comprehensive study.

Other Matters

  • Discussions about the ANZAC Centenary. The government accepted all of the ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board’s recommendations and provided $25 million for implementation.
  • Gallipoli 2015 Ballot will open for registration on 1 November 2013 and will close 31 January 2014.
  • Office of Australian War Graves under the Australian Remembrance Trail program is developing sites across Belgium.
  • Fraudulent wearing of medals. APPVA Tas President requested discussion as an agenda item.

Next meeting

In person and by videoconference – Wednesday 30 October 2013

Page 1 of 2