Monday, 9th November 2026
Chris Picton MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
The South Australian Government will develop dedicated state veterans’ legislation, enshrining our state’s commitment to veterans and their families in law, creating a nation-leading framework to guide future government action.
The legislation will recognise the service and sacrifice of South Australia’s 48,000 veterans and their families and set out in law what they can expect from their state government.
Before bringing to the Parliament, the State Government will listen to veterans, their families and ex-service organisations about the Bill, through a statewide consultation led by Veterans SA.
Matters to be considered during consultation with veterans on the bill will include:
- formal recognition in state law of the unique nature of military service and the contribution of veterans’ families
- giving legislative effect to the South Australian Charter for Veterans
- establishing the Veterans Advisory Council as a statutory body
- supporting the development of a Statewide Veterans and Families’ Strategy
- establishing statutory responsibilities for the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
- ensuring public sector agencies consider the needs of veterans and their families in policy, program and service delivery.
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.
The Bill will be shaped through extensive statewide consultation with veterans, their families and the wider community, drawing on their experiences to help inform its development.
In 2008, South Australia became the first state jurisdiction to establish a dedicated Veterans’ Affairs ministerial portfolio, leading to the creation of the first ever veterans state agency.
South Australia was also the first in the country to mark Veterans’ Families Day, held on 15 May every year.
The new Bill builds on that leadership at a time when South Australia’s defence community is growing, with AUKUS and the Osborne submarine build set to bring more serving members, veterans and their families to the state.
The proposed Bill marks a significant step forward in the state’s recognition of those who have served and the families who support them.
The announcement comes before Remembrance Day will be commemorated this week on 11 November in services across the state, including at the State’s National War Memorial on North Terrace.
Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
The service and sacrifice of our veterans deserves more than recognition in words. This Bill will help ensure our veterans and their families are heard, respected and recognised for their contributions to our communities.
No other state has taken this approach. This legislation will strengthen South Australia’s place at the forefront of veterans’ policy, creating the nation’s most comprehensive framework for recognising and supporting those who have served and their families.
We want to get this right, and we will engage with veterans and their families across South Australia, and listen carefully to their experiences, insights and perspectives to help shape this important legislation.
Quotes attributable to Professor Miranda Van Hooff, Chair Veterans’ Advisory Council
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.
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.
Quotes attributable to Bill Denny AM BM, inaugural Director of Veterans SA
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.
This is a proud day for South Australia. 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.
