Queensland Veterans' Council Bill 2021

Overview

This bill establishes the Queensland Veterans' Council as a new statutory body to manage Anzac Square (the State's war memorial), administer the Anzac Day Trust Fund that supports veterans' organisations, and advise government on veterans' matters. It consolidates three separate governance arrangements into one organisation with formal representation from the veterans' community.

Who it affects

Veterans and their families gain a single statutory body advocating for their interests, while veterans' organisations can nominate members to the Council and access grants through a streamlined process.

Key changes

• Creates the Queensland Veterans' Council as a new statutory body with up to 8 members, including representatives nominated by veterans' organisations
• Transfers trusteeship of Anzac Square from Brisbane City Council to the new Council
• Abolishes the Anzac Day Trust and transfers the Trust Fund (which provides grants to veterans' organisations) to the new Council
• Establishes a Veterans' Reference Group of up to 10 members to help the Council consult with the broader veterans' community
• Requires the Council to prepare and implement a conservation management plan for Anzac Square