Answers to Questions

Veterans' Affairs

119 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (12 August 2014). (First Session) In reference to 2014-15 Budget Paper 4, Volume 1, page 107, Program 4: Veterans' Affairs—which boards and committees will be abolished under the Veterans' Affairs portfolio and what will be the future of the following Councils:

ANZAC Day Commemoration Council;

Veterans' Advisory Council;

Veterans' Health Advisory Council; and the

Veterans' Health Advisory Council?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs): I have been advised:

None of the boards and committees within the Veterans' Affairs portfolio will be abolished.

The Final Report: Boards and Committeesrecently released by the government detailed that:

The Veterans' Advisory Council (VAC) will be retained.

The ANZAC Day Commemoration Council will merge with the VAC and its functions will transition to the VAC after ANZAC Day 2018.

The Veterans' Health Advisory Council (VHAC), while playing a very important advisory role in matters concerning veterans' health issues, is not within the Veterans' Affairs portfolio and falls within the responsibilities of the Minister for Health. The Boards and Committees Final Report states that the VHAC is subject to further investigation.