Saturday, 13th September 2025

The VAC held its 97th meeting on 11 September 2025 at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, chaired by Prof Miranda Van Hooff.

Key Items of Discussion

Chair Update

  • The Chair welcomed members and introduced Joanne Wilson the newly appointed Project Officer – Workforce and Skills at Veterans SA.
  • An update was provided on recent engagements, including attendance at commemorative events marking the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II, the Macclesfield RSL Sub-Branch’s World War II dinner and dance, and the 110th Anniversary of the Australasian Soldiers Dardanelles Cenotaph. Upcoming participation in the DVA Families Forum in Brisbane was also noted.
  • Members acknowledged the passing of Sir Eric James Neal, former Governor of South Australia and inaugural Chair of the VAC, and extended their condolences to his family.

Matters Arising

South Australian State Veterans Strategy

  • At its June 2025 meeting, the Veterans’ Advisory Council established a Sub-Committee to explore the development of a South Australian Veterans Policy, including options to centralise information through Homebase.
  • The Sub-Committee identified that South Australia does not have a whole-of-government Veterans Strategy. The Council endorsed preparing advice to the Minister recommending the design and consultation of such a strategy to strengthen coordinated veteran support.

New Business

Transport Access for Veterans

  • Representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) outlined ongoing challenges for veterans requiring wheelchair-accessible transport. While some improvements in pickup times were noted, service gaps remain, particularly across northern and southern Adelaide. Members raised concerns about affordability, reliability, and safety during return journeys. DIT advised it is exploring alternative models through an Expression of Interest process and and will provide further updates.Members also discussed potential partnerships with rideshare providers and the importance of better coordination with DVA-funded transport services. DIT undertook to connect the Council with the Department of Human Services to examine support options for carers and family members.

Veterans SA Update

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

  • Participation in national consultations on the Royal Commission into Veteran Suidicide implementation and veteran wellbeing initiatives.
  • Attendance at commemorative events such as the 50th Anniversary of Operation Babylift, Vietnam Veterans Day, and the 110th Dardanelles Service.
  • Launch of the Henley & Grange RSL Veteran Vitality & Engagement program.
  • Engagement with parliamentary and community stakeholders during Legacy Week and at the Parliamentary Friends of Veterans event.

South Australian Business

VHAC Update

  • Members noted the conclusion of the RSL representative’s term on VHAC and the appointment of the new representative.The Director of Veterans SA attended the most recent VHAC meeting included discussion on South Australia’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
  • Concerns were raised about the cessation of funding for the Military and Veterans’ Psychiatry Training Program (MVPTP) at the Jamie Larcombe Centre. Members acknowledged the program’s importance in providing psychiatric care and specialist training pathways and supported continued advocacy for its continuation.An invitation was extended to the VAC Chair and Director of Veterans SA to participate in the VHAC Royal Commission Working Group once established.

DVA DC Forum

Members noted that the upcoming DVA DC Forum provides an opportunity to raise transport access issues discussed with DIT. Attendance was confirmed, with representation to advocate for DVA consideration of funding arrangements for veteran transport services.

DVA Younger Veterans – Contemporary Needs Forum

Members received a briefing on the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) inquiry into the potential ‘weaponisation’ of the military justice system. The inquiry will examine allegations of abuse, systemic vulnerabilities, and the effectiveness of existing safeguards. Ahead of the IGADF roundtable on 18 September 2025, members were invited to provide input.

Other Business

Members received updates on national developments and sector initiatives, including:

  • Revised DVA hearing loss claim criteria effective 25 September 2025, expected to expand eligibility for compensation.
  • Legislative reforms establishing the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission (DVSC) as a permanent statutory body with strengthened safeguards and family inclusion.
  • Advocacy on Defence Honours and Awards processing delays and proposed appeals process reforms under Senate review.
  • Members noted the establishment of the Institute of Veteran Advocates as an independent body.
  • The opening of a new APOD site in Keswick and the War Widows Association joining the Veteran Families Guild.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for Thursday, 20 November 2025.

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.