National Consultation Framework

Background

The National Consultation Framework (NCF) facilitates communication between the veteran and ex-service community, the Repatriation and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commissions, government and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). 

The NCF comprises national state and territory forums.  More information on each of the forums, including membership and Terms of Reference, can be found through the links on the menu to the left.  Special interest or industry specific groups required to address particular needs may be established to complement NCF forums as required.

Forums consider matters of importance to the veteran community, make recommendations for change and provide a voice to sections of the community that might not be otherwise heard.

The NCF consists of the current forums:

• Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT)
• Younger Veterans - Contemporary Needs Forum (YVF)
• National Aged and Community Care Forum (NACCF)
• Operational Working Party (OWP)
• Female Veterans’ Policy Forum
• Veterans’ Families Policy Forum

Click each of the links above to find out more about each forum, including membership and reports or minutes from previous meetings.

Review of the NCF

Every three years the NCF is formally reviewed to assess the ongoing effectiveness and relevance of the Framework. 

A review of the NCF commenced in 2024 and consultation included an online survey and a Town Hall forum.

The review of the NCF aligns with several recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide; including Recommendation 87 to establish a new agency to focus on veteran wellbeing and Recommendation 89, to establish a national peak body for ex-service organisations.

The Government response to the Royal Commission report provided funding for further consultation and co-design around these recommendations.  The outcome of these consultations is required to wholistically design DVA’s consultative arrangements.

Further review of the NCF will be undertaken following the consultation and co-design activities. An interim report will be released in 2025.  Further outcomes of the NCF review are proposed to be released later in 2025 after the consultation on the Royal Commission recommendations is complete.

Operating model 

All consultative forums at a national and state level operate with a defined work agenda, formal Terms of Reference and standardised secretariat services provided by DVA.

Referrals

ESORT can refer any matter to another national forum and/or state-based forum for consideration.  Subordinate state-based forums can equally refer issues to the national ESORT for consultation.

As deemed appropriate by the Chair and assessed on a case-by-case basis, matters may also be referred from ESORT to other consultative bodies to which DVA contributes and that exist outside the NCF.

Nominations

Organisations represented on NCF forums are to consider the specific Terms of Reference, as well as the intent and objectives of the forum, when nominating a representative to form part of the membership.

The National President or Chairperson of the organisation will nominate a representative, providing a brief statement in support of the nominations, as well as the nominated individuals’ resumes.

Membership

ESO Round Table (ESORT) comprises the National Presidents or their equivalents of the member organisations.

The National Aged and Community Care Forum (NACCF) brings together aged care experts, including ESOs and those in the aged care industry.

The Operational Working Party (OWP) provides DVA the opportunity to inform members on matters of operational policy to the Department and discuss improvements, and for members to raise operational matters of concern.

The Younger Veterans - Contemporary Needs Forum (YVF) comprises younger serving or former serving members with contemporary experience (post 1999) or representative who have a direct association with contemporary conflicts (e.g. widows / partners).

The Women Veterans Policy Forum and Veterans Families Policy Forum have been established to provide a platform for women veterans and family members to raise issues directly with government and DVA.

State and Territory forums comprise representatives from state and sub-branches of a number of ESOs.