Wednesday, 6th October 2021

From the Chair

The VAC held its 77th meeting on Thursday 30 September 2021. Key items of discussion included:

 

Veteran strategy for Department of Correctional Services

 The VAC received a briefing from Mr Chris Tilley (VAC member and Senior Advisor, Veteran Services, Department for Correctional Services) and Mr Darien Shephard-Bayley, Executive Director Offender Development.

The VAC noted DCS’s Draft Veteran Staff, Prisoner and Offenders – Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025 and the commitment to support veterans within the SA Correctional system.  The strategy includes five key areas to:

  • Raise the profile of veteran needs,
  • Normalise veteran services,
  • Connect veterans to specialised services,
  • Provide end-to-end care from prison to community, and
  • Provide recognition of the veteran workforce.

 

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

The VAC Working Group- Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran suicide met on Friday 13th August 2021. The Working Group outcomes paper (report) has been endorsed by the VAC and provided to the Premier.

The VAC noted recent release of updated AIHW data, announcements and media coverage in relation to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The VAC has also received a Notice to Give from Mr Nick Kaldas, Royal Commission and will respond ahead of public hearings, expected to occur in November 2021.

 

Torrens Precinct

The inaugural Torrens Training Depot/Parade Ground Steering Committee, chaired by Rear Admiral the Hon Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Ret’d) met on Monday 27 September. Further information and a Communique (including details of stakeholder engagement opportunities) can be found at: Torrens Parade Ground Precinct Steering Committee Communique September 2021 – Veterans SA | Veterans SA.

 

VAC meeting 25 November 2021

The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for 25 November 2021.

 

To contact the VAC directly regarding South Australian based veteran issues please email veteransadvisorycouncil@sa.gov.au or via post: Veterans SA, Level 4, 151 Pirie Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000.