Tuesday, 4th November 2025

The VAC held its 98th meeting on 20 November 2025 at HMAS Encounter, Osborne, chaired by Prof Miranda Van Hooff.

The VAC meeting was incorporated into a visit to the new HMAS Encounter HQ, where members of the Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) received a comprehensive facility tour. Appreciation was extended to CMDR Ryder and Royal Australian Navy personnel for hosting the visit.

Key Items of Discussion

Chair Update

  • The Chair welcomed members and acknowledged incoming Ex-Officio members commencing in 2026. Sincere thanks were extended to outgoing Ex-Officio members for their valued contributions.
  • Individual consultations with Members are underway to gather feedback on VAC’s strengths, areas for improvement, and future strategic direction. Feedback will be collated and presented to the Minister. A VAC Strategic Planning Day was also discussed.
  • The VAC Terms of Reference are currently under review. A draft will be circulated to Members to gather feedback prior to a final version being submitted to the Minister for consideration.
  • Improvements to Agenda processes were discussed, with a full review and process refinement to be implemented by the Chair and Secretariat.

New Business

State Election Caretaker Session

  • A Department of Premier and Cabinet representative briefed members on caretaker conventions and pre-election practices, emphasising impartiality and neutrality during the election period from approximately 21 February to 21 March 2026.

South Australian State Veteran Strategy

  • Members discussed the development of a South Australian Veterans Strategy and supported progressing work to explore a whole-of-government approach. The VAC noted the importance of community consultation with veterans and key stakeholders to inform the design and implementation of any future strategy.

Veterans SA Update

The Director of Veterans SA provided a comprehensive update on recent activities, including:

  • The Minister’s key focus across multiple portfolios is on driving economic prosperity through employment, with most responsibilities sitting within skills, trade and development, and veterans’ affairs.
  • The updated VSA Strategic Outlook and 2026 Action Plan are being finalised.
  • Ongoing involvement in the Royal Commission working group, with monthly meetings providing South Australia’s perspective; updates will be circulated to Members.

South Australian Business

VHAC Update

  • The next VHAC meeting is scheduled for 24 November 2025 at the War Veterans Home.
  • Tara Belton is joining VHAC in her role as CEO of RSL SA/NT and Broken Hill.
  • VAC and Veterans SA are supporting VHAC’s continued advocacy for continuation of funding for the Military and Veterans’ Psychiatry Training Program (MVPTP) at the Jamie Larcombe Centre.

Other Business

2026 VAC Meeting Dates were endorsed by Members

It was NOTED that, where possible, regional outreach visits will be arranged around the confirmed meetings.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for Thursday, 12 February 2026.

To contact the VAC directly regarding South Australian-based veteran issues, please:

  1. Send an email to the VAC inbox: [email protected]
  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.