This is about ensuring the voices and experiences of veterans and their families are not only heard but meaningfully considered in decisions that affect them.
The South Australian Government will develop dedicated state veterans’ legislation, enshrining its commitment to veterans and their families in law and creating a nation-leading framework to guide future government action.
The landmark legislation will formally recognise the unique nature of military service and strengthen how veterans and their families are recognised, valued and consulted across government.
It will be shaped through extensive statewide consultation with veterans, their families and the wider community, drawing on their experiences to help inform its development.
Veterans SA Director Bianca Wheeler said the proposed legislation will help ensure veterans and their families are appropriately considered in government decision-making.
“This is about ensuring the voices and experiences of veterans and their families are not only heard but meaningfully considered in decisions that affect them,” Ms Wheeler said.
“It is about putting in place a lasting commitment that will continue to guide government action and support future generations of veterans and their families.”
The legislation will consider a range of measures, including formally recognising the unique nature of military service and the contribution of veterans’ families, giving legislative effect to the South Australian Charter for Veterans and establishing the Veterans Advisory Council as a statutory advisory body.
It will also support the development of a Statewide Veterans and Families’ Strategy, statutory responsibilities for the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and requirements for public sector agencies to consider veterans and their families in policy, program and service delivery.
Veterans’ Advisory Council Chair Professor Miranda Van Hooff said the proposed legislation was an important opportunity to ensure veterans and their families were heard.
“This is a landmark moment for South Australia’s veteran community and a real opportunity to make sure veterans, and their families are represented across government,” Professor Van Hooff said.
“The Veterans’ Advisory Council welcomes the opportunity to hear from veterans, families and ex-service organisations across the state. Their experiences should be at the heart of shaping a Bill that supports our community now and for generations to come.”
The Bill will provide a strong and lasting foundation for veterans’ affairs in South Australia, with clear responsibilities that can endure as government structures and priorities change.
It builds on South Australia’s longstanding leadership in veterans’ affairs. In 2008, the South Australian Government was the first state jurisdiction to recognise the importance of a state-based Veterans’ Affairs portfolio and as a result Veterans SA was established.
Inaugural Director of Veterans SA Bill Denny AM BM welcomed the proposed Bill as a proud moment for South Australia.
“When we established the first state-based veterans’ portfolio, we were building something we hoped would outlast all of us. This Bill is the next evolution of that vision, taking a commitment that was made in good faith and giving it the force of law,” Mr Denny said.
“Our state has always stood a little taller when it comes to honouring those who serve, and today we do so again. For every veteran and every family who has carried the weight of service, this is a moment to be proud of.”
Veterans SA will lead the statewide consultation process, with feedback from veterans, their families and the wider community helping shape the Bill.
