Thursday, 13th February 2025
The VAC held its 94th meeting on 12 December 2024 at Saab Australia HQ, Mawson Lakes, chaired by Prof Miranda Van Hooff.
The VAC meeting was incorporated into a day visit to the Saab Australia HQ, where members of the Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) received a comprehensive facility tour, business line briefs and an engaging afternoon tea with the Saab veteran community. Special thanks were extended to Deputy Chair Taylor Cowell, MD Andy Keogh, and Marc Bryant from Saab Australia for hosting the meeting.
Key Items of Discussion at the VAC Meeting included:
Chair Update
- The Minister’s Office has offered a six-month extension of tenure to current VAC Members until 30 June 2025.
- Miranda van Hooff has been officially appointed as Chair and Taylor Cowell officially appointed as Deputy Chair.
- Gratitude was expressed to Bec van Reesema for her contributions, and best wishes were extended for her 12-month secondment role in another government department.
- Acknowledgement and thanks were given to Bianca Wheeler and Barbara von der Borch for their support during the Chair’s transition from her Acting role.
- The 2024 VAC Annual Report to the Minister is in progress and will be shared in the new year.
- 2025 strategic direction development underway in consultation with the Minister and Veterans SA Strategic Outlook.
Ministerial Update
- The Minister’s recent international travel included visits to Saigon War Cemetery, the War Memorial of Korea, and the upcoming visit to the Kranji War Memorial in Singapore.
- An invitation was extended to VAC members to join the Minister at Parliament House for an informal welcome reception on 5 March 2025.
DVA Lived Experience Presentation
Representatives from the DVA Lived Experience team presented on the Lived Experience framework, Community Support Team, and Adverse Events Analysis. Key achievements include establishing the Lived Experience Implementation Working Group and developing foundational training packages.
VAC Meetings
Members discussed meeting balance and frequency, agreeing to retain six annual meetings with a mix of working and regional visits to enhance community engagement.
SATAC Tick Box & Veteran Education Entry Program
Taylor Cowell proposed the implementation of a veteran tick box in SATAC applications and a veteran education entry program. Members discussed the background, considerations, and implementation strategy.
Veterans SA Update
Director Veterans SA provided an update on current activities and priorities, including:
- Updates on various grant programs, including the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II Grant Fund and the RSL SA Employment Program.
- Successful programs such as the SA Veterans Employer Network and Business Mentoring were highlighted.
- Cultural Awareness Program feedback and upcoming courses were discussed.
- Recruitment updates for the VSA portfolio were provided.
VHAC Update
Nathan Klinge discussed veteran identification in aged care and suggested using the LeeCare platform to gather detailed veteran information during the admission process.
SA Government Concessions
Members discussed strategies to attract and retain veterans in South Australia and agreed to develop a proposition statement for the Minister.
Other Business
- DVA Prescription Inefficiencies – members were made aware of significant delays in script approvals since outsourcing to BUPA, causing inconvenience for patients.
- SA State Veteran Policy proposal – discussion to attract veterans to South Australia
- Challenges faced by smaller ESOs in meeting ATO requirements were discussed, with suggestions for support through the Repat Veteran’s Wellbeing Centre.
The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for Thursday, 20 February, at Torrens Parade Ground.
To contact the VAC directly regarding South Australian-based veteran issues, please:
- Send an email to the VAC inbox: VeteransAdvisoryCouncil@sa.gov.au
- Type “For Note” in the subject line, followed by the subject.
- Include details of the agenda item in the body of the email.
