Veterans' Affairs (part of the Defence Portfolio)
The National Advisory Committee provides quality, independent, consultation based advice to the Minister on the strategic directions and operations of Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling (Open Arms). Open Arms is a national mental health service that provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling, group programs and suicide prevention training for current and ex-serving ADF personnel, and their families.
https://www.openarms.gov.au
none@none.gov.au

Further information

  • Type of Body

    D. Advisory Body - Policy and Stakeholder Consultation

  • Established By / Under

    Cabinet

  • Paid Members?

    Yes

  • Max No. of Board/Committee Members

    11

  • Annual Report Prepared and tabled?

    No

  • Classification

    B. Secondary

  • Function Categorization

    Advisory Board

  • Creation Date

    2 July 1981

Current board appointments

Position Appointee Start Date End Date
Chair VACANT    
Deputy Chair VACANT    
Member Ms. Gwen Cherne 12 October 2020 Determined by the appointer
Member Rear Admiral Sarah Sharkey AM CSC 15 January 2020 Determined by the appointer
Member Major General Stuart Smith AO DSC (Retd) 30 September 2020 Determined by the appointer
Member Major Benjamin Flink 1 April 2019 31 March 2022
Member Mrs. Anne Pahl 1 April 2019 31 March 2022
Member Professor David Forbes 1 January 2010 Determined by the appointer
Member WO-N Deb Butterworth 22 November 2019 Determined by the appointer
Member Dr. Stephanie Hodson CSC 4 October 2016 Determined by the appointer
Member Mr. Paul Way PSM 15 September 2015 Determined by the appointer
Member Mr. Donald Spinks AM 4 February 2019 Determined by the appointer
Member Warrant Officer Grant McFarlane (RSM-A) OAM 1 July 2018 Determined by the appointer
Member WOFF-AF Fiona Grasby 6 November 2019 Determined by the appointer
Member Associate Professor Dr. Brad Murphy 5 February 2020 4 February 2023
Member Mr. Adrian Sutter 5 February 2020 4 February 2023
Last updated: