RSL National ESORT Summary - March 2023

11 Apr

The Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) is the main body for consultation between ex-service organisations and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). ESORT aims to address issues of strategic importance to the ex-service and defence communities and assist in setting directions for the medium to long term. RSL Australia is a member of ESORT and is committed to sharing information from and to ESORT on issues of importance to the RSL membership, veterans and their families.

ESORT’s last meeting was held in March 2023 and the following topics of significance to the ex-serving and Defence communities were discussed:

The attendance of the newly appointed Secretary of DVA, Ms Alison Frame.
Representatives of the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC), Treasury, and Defence presented on the Treasury Laws Amendment (2022 Measures No4 Bill 2022 – Schedule 9 Taxation of Military Superannuation Benefits: Reversing the Douglas Decision, before opening for discussion and questions from ESORT members.
DVA gave an update on the claims backlog, which is falling rapidly, with 67 new delegates being added to the DVA claims processing team. DVA acknowledged the work in this area is ongoing.
DVA noted that their IT systems were undergoing an improvement process through the Department of Social Services (DSS), including simplifying the current use of multiple IT systems. The modernisation of the MyService system is also being improved, including a standardised communications framework.
The progress DVA has made in implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, including the establishment of an Information Access Unit in Defence and DVA, which will serve as a single point of contact for information requests and provide dedicated support to applicants when needed.
The Veterans’ Legislation Reform Consultation Pathway, which responds to other recommendations from the Royal Commission. The goal of the reform is to establish an improved version of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

The next ESORT meeting is scheduled for May 2023, and will be held in response to the Federal Budget announcement. RSL Australia will provide a further update on ESORT’s activities at this time.

Read the full minutes of the meeting on DVA’s website