Veterans Advisory Council

The VAC held its 93rd meeting on 21 October 2024 at RAAF Base Edinburgh, Adelaide, chaired by Acting Chair Prof Miranda Van Hooff.

The VAC meeting was incorporated into a day visit to RAAF Base Edinburgh, where members of the Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) received familiarisation briefings, engaged with soldiers and aviators, and toured the base’s new Keeping Place. The visit included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Indigenous Veterans War Memorial, led by Ms. Miranda Van Hooff, Acting Chair of the VAC, and Ms. Bianca Wheeler, Director Veterans SA, with the Ode recited by Mr. Alex Houthuysen, a proud Aboriginal man and RAAF veteran from the Yamatji Nation.

This initiative by RAAF Edinburgh aimed to enhance the State Government’s understanding of the Defence presence in Adelaide’s north and the needs of serving veterans. Special thanks go to GPCAPT Greg Weller and his staff for their exceptional efforts in coordinating and hosting the visit. Critical insights were gained, supporting ongoing efforts to integrate and support the veteran community.

Key Items of Discussion at the VAC Meeting included:

Joint Transition Authority (JTA) Presentation

The Joint Transition Authority (JTA) plays a crucial role in improving the transition journey for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. Partnering with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC), the JTA works to ensure a smooth and supportive transition from military to civilian life.

AIRCDRE Kaarin Kooij provided a presentation to Members on the JTA’s ongoing efforts to improve the transition journey for ADF members and their families.  During the visit, the JTA provided a presentation to VAC members about its ongoing efforts. For more detailed information, you can refer to the ADF Member and Family Transition Guide: https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/transition/adf-member-family-transition-guide

Nuclear Powered Submarine Regulatory Design Presentation

RADM Katherine Richards delivered an insightful presentation on the regulatory framework for Australia’s Nuclear Powered Submarine program. Ms Richards highlighted the program’s unwavering commitment to safety, health, and proactive community engagement, ensuring that these advanced capabilities are developed responsibly and transparently.

Veterans SA Update

Director Veterans SA provided an update on current activities and priorities, including:

• The highly successful Tertiary Scholarships Program has been approved for another 12 months.
• The Business mentoring, MindRight, and StoryRight programs continue with great success with planning already underway for the 2025 program.
• Planning is underway for a 3-year VAC meeting program – including both metro and regional locations. Where possible, aiming to combine other regional activities with VAC meetings to enhance community engagement.
• A bespoke program of MindRight and StoryRight workshops for 7RAR members has been designed and set to run on 4 and 5 November respectively, culminating in an employer-candidate networking event on the evening of 5 November.
• The Director’s attendance at LandForces in September this year was well received; plans are underway for Veterans SA’s involvement in Avalon and IndoPac 2025.
• Veterans SA attended both the Perth and Melbourne ADF Member and Family Transition Seminars. Representation at interstate ADF transition events increases brand awareness and promotes South Australia, the Defence State as a place to live.

DVA Younger Veterans – Contemporary Needs Forum

Mr. Tilley summarised the recent forum, highlighting key issues and initiatives:

• Medical Reassessment Requests: Concerns about unwarranted requests by DVA.
• Defence Health Warning: Proposal for a list of known incidents to expedite DVA processing.
• Advocacy and Legislative Reform: Updates provided.
• Rate Comparisons: Analysis of fee schedules among DVA, NDIA, Aged Care, and private health insurance, noting NDIS pays significantly more.
• Compensation Claims Processing: Ongoing issues with processing times.
• Support for Clinicians: Efforts to support clinicians caring for veterans.
• Veterans in Custody: Collaboration between SA Department for Correctional Services and DVA, with successful national initiatives and inter-jurisdictional working groups.
• Smith noted that Legacy Australia is creating a new cohort of legatees to liaise with families of incarcerated veterans.

Royal Commission

The Royal Commission report was discussed, with ongoing collaboration between States and Territories and the Commonwealth.

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

• Discussion about the Role of VAC – Members reviewed the VAC Terms of Reference and agreed on the importance of sharing information with the Minister for his awareness.
• Anzac Centenary Walk Additions – The Consortium will seek State Government approval for additions to the Anzac Centenary Memorial Walkway.
• Keswick Barracks – Concerns and recommendations for heritage-listed buildings at Keswick Barracks are being prepared.
• Misuse of ANZAC Acronym – Anzac Medical Suites have been informed of regulations regarding the use of the ANZAC acronym.
• Veteran Advocacy Services – Members discussed issues with volunteer and paid advocacy services, and the Repatriation Commissioner will be invited to a future meeting.
• AIRCDRE Adrian Maso’s Tenure – This meeting marked AIRCDRE Maso’s last VAC meeting. He will be succeeded by a new Air Force representative in January 2025.

The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for Thursday, 12 December at Saab HQ, Mawson Lakes.

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

1. Send an email to the VAC inbox: VeteransAdvisoryCouncil@sa.gov.au
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.