O Boat Special Operations
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Last week in Canberra there was a meeting of the E.S.O Round Table with Govt Dept Heads and a
representative of PMAC to discuss various subjects relating to Ex-service Personnel. The Naval
Association was represented by the National President Mr. Les Dwyer. The issue of Nature of
Service Issues generally and for “O Boat Submarine Special Operations” in particular were
discussed at length.
“Submarine Specops Recognition” has been through the “Repatriation Commission” which is one
of the final “Hurdles” we have to jump, now all that is left are a couple of “Hoops” to negotiate.
The issue is now at the following stage:-
a. The subject of funding is being critically studied and at issue is whether DVA or Defence will
fund the item.
It appears as if a total of approximately 800 personnel have been recognized as being eligible. This
figure was queried by the N.A.A as no account had been taken of those who are already recognized
from other areas of “Active Service”. The “Defence Bean Counters” had been told of this fact since
the year 2000 but all they could say was that they did not think of that!!!
b. The issue is now back with Defence to staff various issues including costings and the
numbers and for submission to the Chief of the Defence Force, then to the Minister and then to the
PM&C for decision.
We do not understand why this “smoke & mirrors” game needs to be played as monies would be
available from a myriad of budget votes in any of the other Departments.
No matter what we may think about the lack of movement on this seemingly immovable subject,
progress has been made and we are very hopeful, that a successful outcome will eventually be
achieved on this NEW “Nature of Service” issue.
Defence have it now and it is apparently being given Top Priority.
We are not in a position to give any estimation of the time frame before final resolution but new
“Nature of Service” Rules will come into force in January 2010.
We are led to believe that the recognition of “O Boat” Submariners is not caught up in the latest
Clarke Review issues