Tuesday, 8th October 2024

The VAC held its 92nd meeting on 29 August 2024, chaired by Acting Chair Prof Miranda Van Hooff.

Key Items of Discussion included:

Location of Future VAC Meetings

Members discussed the benefits of holding meetings at various locations to enhance collaboration. Occasional meetings in regional locations were also agreed upon to support regional and rural communities.

Veterans Advisory Co-operative Meeting

The Acting Chair provided an overview of the recent Veterans Advisory Co-operative meeting. Opportunities for VAC to connect with interstate VAC equivalent contacts were identified.

VAC Children’s Sub-Committee established

The VAC Children’s Sub-Committee has been formed to develop educational resources for school principals, aimed at enhancing their understanding of the challenges faced by Defence families relocating from interstate. The Sub-Committee will include representatives from VAC, Veterans SA, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Education sector.

Avenues for Communication with VAC

The Acting Chair emphasised the importance of having a clear and transparent communication channel for the Veteran Community to interact with the VAC. Members agreed on implementing a new, consistent process for organisations to convey information to the VAC. The new process is as follows:

  1. Send an email to the VAC inbox: VeteransAdvisoryCouncil@sa.gov.au
  2. Type “For Note” in the subject line, followed by the subject.
  3. Include details of the agenda item in the body of the email.

Veterans SA Update

Director Veterans SA provided an update on current activities and priorities, including:

  • Strategic Action Plan: Four strategic pillars: Connect & Collaborate, Empower & Equip, Educate & Raise Awareness, Honour Service.
  • Royal Commission: Report anticipated for release on 9 September 2024. Veterans SA will coordinate information to stakeholders until such time that the Australian Government has announced their decision and implementation strategy has been considered by both National and SA Government Cabinet.
  • Grants: Updates on various grant programs, including the 80th Anniversary of WW2 Grant Program and the Anzac Day Commemoration Fund.
  • Programs: SA Veteran Employer Network and Career & Business Mentoring Program are ongoing with positive feedback.
  • Commemorations: Director attending as many services as possible and sharing invitations with VAC for representation.

VHAC Update

Mr. Klinge provided a summary of the Veteran Health Advisory Council (VHAC) meeting, noting changes in terms of reference, and ongoing negotiations between SA Health and Military Advocates SA (MASA) regarding access to facilities at the Veteran Wellbeing Centre.

DVA DC Forum

CMDR Ryder shared key takeaways from the forum, including DVA’s recruitment of additional staff and a shift in public perception of veterans.

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

The release of the Royal Commission findings is anticipated on 9 September. Members discussed convening a sub-committee to compile key points for Minister Szakacs.

Ongoing Matters

  • The State Government’s review of concessions for South Australians
  • The consultation process regarding veterans’ legislation
  • The proposed Northern Adelaide Wellbeing Centre and
  • The Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide

The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for Monday, 21 October 2024

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