Description

DVA Reference: EOI-2026-NAC

The Australian Government is inviting expressions of interest to fill up to nine positions (including the roles of Chair and Deputy Chair) on the Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling (Open Arms) National Advisory Committee.

We are seeking a broad range of candidates with diverse professional and lived experience from across Australia to provide independent advice to the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs on the mental health and wellbeing needs of the veteran community and on how those needs can be addressed through Open Arms programs and services. The Committee will also collaborate with other advisory bodies, experts and those with lived experience to develop advice.

Candidates who have the following are encouraged to apply:

• strong background interest and experience in, as well as an understanding of, the issues affecting the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and families
• subject matter expertise in one or more of the following areas: mental health including psychology, social work and counselling, psychiatry, general practice and veteran and family lived experience
• strategic senior leadership or board experience
• knowledge of Open Arms service

To ensure the Open Arms National Advisory Committee has a balance of skills, diverse backgrounds and different perspectives people with a diversity of skills, perspectives, abilities, life experience and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT

The Open Arms National Advisory Committee will have nine members (inclusive of Chair and Deputy Chair) with relevant expertise.

• Members will be appointed for a term of up to three years from the date of appointment, unless otherwise stipulated by the Minister.
• The Committee will meet in person at least three times a year.
• Members will receive daily sitting fees for participation on the Committee outlined in the Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Part-time Public Office) Determination 2025. The Chair receives higher sitting fees as outlined in the Determination.  Higher sitting fees may also apply for members with specialist medical and psychiatry qualifications.  
• Members travel costs and incidentals will be paid for by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Notes

Please refer to the Candidate Information Pack for advice how to shape your application and structure your ‘Pitch’. Applicants for Member roles are also required to submit a Private Interests Declaration with your application.

Contact Officer Details:

For any job-related information required after reading the selection documentation, please contact Openarms.nac@dva.gov.au

Where to lodge Applications: 

To apply go to https://dvajobs.nga.net.au/?jati=ED609492-27A7-49EC-C1BC-ECD8255B772B and complete the online application by 11.30pm AEST 28 May 2026.