Monday, 11th December 2023
The VAC held its 88th meeting on 23 November 2023, chaired by COL Rob Manton.
Key items of discussion included:
Department for Correctional Services veterans update
The VAC received a briefing from VAC member Chris Tilley in relation to the DCS Veteran Services Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025. Mr Tilley advised that DCS is committed to developing a strategy to support veteran staff, prisoners and offenders within the SA Correctional system and is seeking feedback on the Strategy and Pilot Program as an authority on state-based veteran advice and decision-making.
Korean War Memorial Proposal – COL Peter Scott
The VAC recommended state government support for a request from COL Peter Scott for a proposal to erect a dedicated memorial to the Korean War in South Australia.
Legal Services Commission Veteran Identifier
The VAC endorsed a proposal to seek amendment to the SA Legal Services Commission and Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement application forms to allow current and former serving defence members to be identified via a tick box.
Proposed new entity to promote wellbeing of Defence members & veterans – Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide.
The VAC considered a request for feedback from key stakeholders about what the entity to promote the wellbeing of Defence members and veterans could be and what it could achieve. The VAC requested the Chair draft a submission for state government consideration and release.
Defence and Veterans’ Family Day
The VAC received an update on the community consultation conducted in relation to the creation of a Defence and Veterans’ Family Day in South Australia and agreed to propose that the South Australian Government adopt the date of 15 May during National Families Week 2024, to recognise defence and veteran families each year.
Anzac Day Commemoration Fund update on assessment of applications
The VAC received an update on the current status of the Anzac Day Commemoration Fund. The Grants sub-committee had met to assess the applications and a list of successful and unsuccessful applications was being finalised for the final approval of the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
Veterans SA Update
The VAC received an update from Veterans SA Director, Ms Chantelle Bohan, on the current priorities of the agency, including:
• Regional Development Association connections – support for regional veterans and their families
• Community Consultations update
• Co-work Co-play
• SA Veteran Community Connection Event – 29 November 2023
• SA Veteran Employer Network Event – 6 December 2023
• Mentoring Program – Final Year Event – 30 November 2023
• Veteran Ministers’ Council Meeting – 6 October 2023
• Data Dashboard – Veterans in South Australia
Ongoing Matters
The VAC remains seized of the following 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
VAC meeting 23 November 2023
The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for 15 February 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
