How the VVAA is Organised
The National Congress is the governing body of the VVAA. The
Congress comprises the National Executive, Presidents and one
other representative from each State, and Seconded Members. The
members of the National Executive and the Seconded Members are
non-voting member.
The role of the National congress, which meets once each year,
is to consider items of business which are proposed by the State
Councils through their links to Sub Branches and individual
members, and which set the direction for the organisation over
the next twelve months, make such changes to the National
Constitution which are considered necessary, and to elect the
National Executive.
The National Council consists of the National Executive, the
State Presidents and Seconded Members. The Executive and Seconded
Members are not voting members.
The role of the National Council is to give direction to the
National Executive of Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia,
in accordance with the wishes of the members of the Association
delivered through Sub Branch and State Branch and expressed at
the annual National Congress. The Council prepares items for
discussion at the Congress, and deals with important issues which
may arise from time to time throughout the year. It is important
in ensuring the VVAA maintains a consistent outlook and
direction.
The National Executive consists of the National President,
National Secretary, National Treasurer, and two Vice Presidents. Their role is to
conduct the day-to-day business of the Association in accordance
with the directions and guidance of the National Congress and the
National Council. Members seek advice from experts in various
fields, including members of the VVAA, and particularly the
Seconded Members.
From time to time issues arise which have not been discussed
at Congress or Council, and in these cases the guiding principles
are that the Executive is to attempt to deliver, on behalf of the
Association, outcomes which are not inconsistent with our
Constitution and Policy Handbook and which are to the greater
good of the Vietnam veteran community in particular and the
veteran/ex-service communities in general.
From time to time members may be co-opted to assist the
National Council, particularly when that individual has knowledge
or skills which relate to specific issues being addressed at that
time by the Council. In creating co-opted positions the
Council is ensuring that important issues remain clearly in the
forefront of its deliberations. Creating an Advocates' Network is
one example of this. The role of co-opted members has been to
some extent overtaken by the Research Officer(s) who undertake
research and produce discussion papers for the National Executive
and Council
Sub-Branches, State Branches and
the National Council
In looking at the role of the National Executive and the
National Council, it is necessary to consider the roles and
responsibilities of all the parts of the VVAA.
- Sub-Branches are the life-blood of the VVAA. They
provide local welfare, pensions and advocacy help.
Through formal and informal meetings as well as social
activities, they identify issues which are important to
Vietnam veterans, and pass these on to State Branches.
At the same time they can request assistance from the
State Branch in solving problems, dealing with issues
or simply getting information which means that they
don't have to reinvent the wheel. Individuals have the
opportunity to raise issues of concern through Sub
Branches to State Council or National Congress.
- State Branches co-ordinate the flow of information from
Sub-Branches to National, ensuring that issues which
concern members are identified and dealt with or passed
on to National. They receive and pass on information
from National to Sub-Branches. State Committee members
will liaise with the State Office of the DVA and other
state government departments, and represent the VVAA on
committees and at meetings with DVA and Ex-Service
Organisations in regard to State issues.
- The National Council is responsible for representing the
members of the VVAA on National issues. This includes
representation on Government and
Ex-Service Organisation committees and meetings.
The advice and guidance of members, through their State
Presidents provides policies and guidance for the
National Executive in dealing with issues which arise.
The Council co-ordinates media responses to ensure that
the entire organisation is seen to be acting with one
voice.
Achievements of the VVAA through the National
Council
The success of this structure is evident to those who look at the notable
achievements of the VVAA. The VVAA as a result of successful lobbying of
Governments, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other Ex-service
Organisations has been able to ensure the:
establishment of the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service (VVCS) in
1982 (Now Open Arms);
ongoing monitoring of Open Arms (Formerly VVCS) operations through the National Advisory
Committee (NAC)
establishment of the Evatt Royal Commission into the use of
Herbicides during the Vietnam war
successful outcome for the Military Medal nominees under the
Vietnam End of War List Review ;
successful completion of the Vietnam Veterans' Mortality Study;
successful completion of the Vietnam Veterans' Health (Morbidity)
Study;
creation of the protocol for the validation of the Health Study;
discussion with DVA on responses to the Health study outcomes and
the government’s response;
commencement of a scientific study into the genetic effects of
Agent White;
long-delayed review of the Repatriation Medical Authority was
undertaken;
proper consideration of the proposed Second Opinion diagnostic
protocols for psychiatric disorders;
review of service-related use of alcohol and tobacco;
institution of the VVAA Web Site and electronic mail exchange;
establishment of the Men's Health Peer Education Program and
promotion of healthy lifestyles;
contribution to and an ongoing commitment to the Training and
Information Program (TIP) and the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP);
development of the "Right Mix - Your Health and Alcohol" campaign
through active participation in the Alcohol Management project and
associated reference groups;
contribution to the development of PTSD treatment guidelines for
Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) with the Australian Centre for Post
Traumatic Mental health (ACPMH);
contribution to the development of the Alcohol treatment
guidelines in conjunction with ACPMH, VVCS (Now Open Arms) and reference groups;
development of the new Military Rehabilitation and Compensation
Act 2004
conduct of Peak Ex-service Organisation summits in 2003 and 2004
conduct of the feasibility study of a health study for Sons and
Daughters of Vietnam Veterans;
establishment of the National Metal Health and Wellbeing forum (NMHWF);
initiation of numerous Younger Veterans Programs via the VVCS (Now Open Arms);
funding of support groups under DVA's grants programs;
$32.3m to support the extension of benefits for veterans,
partners and children in 2000;
ongoing care of Sons and Daughters of Vietnam veterans by Open Arms (Formerly
VVCS)
founding member of the Veterans' Indemnity and Training
Association;
assistance to government in shaping policy on veterans issues via
participation on 14 separate National and State committees; and
continuous recognition of the VVAA as the representative of the
Vietnam veterans' community.
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