Monday, 8th July 2024

The VAC held its 91st meeting on 27 June 2024, chaired by Acting Chair Prof Miranda Van Hooff.

Key items of discussion included:

Boer War Memorial – Harry “Breaker” Morant

The VAC discussed their position regarding adding Harry Morant’s name to the South African War Memorial, citing his war crimes. The VAC agreed against adding his name to the Memorial and will seek the Minister’s consent to write to the Lord Mayor of Adelaide to this effect.

Naval Memorial Gardens

The VAC reviewed a proposal to relocate the Naval Memorial Gardens. It was agreed that enhancing the current gardens and incorporating them into the “Memorial Precinct” would be more cost-effective. Feedback from the Consortium of ESOs will be sought.

DVA Veteran Incarceration Policy Working Group

The VAC was briefed on the challenges of gathering accurate data on incarcerated veterans and the need for a strategic framework for reintegration. The VAC will forward relevant feedback on veteran incarceration to Mr. Tilley.

South Australia Public Sector Military Rank to Grade Guide

The VAC discussed issues with the current guide and agreed to recommend its removal from the OCPSE website until a review is completed. Veterans SA will write to Minister Szakacs to request the guide be taken off the OCPSE and Veterans SA websites and provide guidance on the development process.

Veterans SA Update

The VAC received an update from Acting Veterans SA Director, Ms van Reesema, on the agency’s current priorities, including:

  • New Director: Bianca Wheeler, with a Navy background, will commence as Director on 15 July.
  • Strategic Action Plan: The 2024/25 Strategic Action Plan will be released in July, following comprehensive engagement and consultation.
  • CSTC Meeting: Discussions included the 2024/25 Budget announcements and legislative reforms, particularly around eligibility for the Gold Card.
  • Royal Commission Update: DVA has identified eight themes for the Royal Commission’s final report, focusing on areas such as veteran transition, health and wellbeing, and claims processing.
  • Grants Review: Veterans SA is part of a working group reviewing Commonwealth grants processes.
  • Veteran Aged Care: An Aged and Community Care Taskforce has been established to assist clients with navigating their entitlements. Key issues include misinformation about Gold Card holders and Open Arms services in aged care facilities.
  • Grants Programs: Updates on various grant programs, including the 80th Anniversary of WW2 Grant Program, Capacity Building & Commemorative Services Grants, and the Anzac Day Commemoration Fund.
  • Community Engagement: Veterans SA attended the Northern Adelaide Plains Veteran’s Forum and discussed grants and programs. The VAC Chair will be invited to speak at the next forum.
  • Scholarships and Mentoring: Updates on the Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program and the ongoing success of the Career & Business Mentoring Program.
  • SA Veteran Employer Network: Continues to meet bi-monthly, with the next Member-Candidate event in August.

Support for ADF Families

The VAC discussed the Chief of Defence Force’s (CDF) open letter supporting Defence families’ school applications. It was suggested that the letter be used by families during enrolment.

There was also discussion about creating an education piece for schools and educators to better understand the issues faced by Defence families.

The Acting Chair will form a sub-committee to work on this, and Veterans SA will follow up on the status of the education tick box with Minister Szakacs.

SATAC Veteran Identifier

The VAC discussed the benefits of introducing a veteran identifier on South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) forms.

A brief will be developed to address barriers to tertiary education for veterans, and the Acting Chair will request the Minister to write to SATAC regarding this initiative.

‘Walk With Me’ Event

The VAC discussed the Hutt Street Centre’s Walk a Mile in My Boots challenge from 5-11 August 2024. Members were encouraged to participate.

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 29 August 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