RSL Australia - National President’s Newsletter.

President’s Newsletter

Nitin Verma, Honorary Consul for Timor-Leste, Jose Ramos Horta, President, Timor-Leste, Greg Melick, RSL Australia National President, Dr Kevin Vandeleur, East Timor Eye Program, Carl Graham, St John Ambulance, Tasmania.

The image above is from my recent visit to Timor-Leste. I travelled there to meet with the nation’s President, Prime Minister and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, I also met with our Ambassador and leaders of veteran groups to share insights from the Australian veteran environment. Australia shares strong current and historic links with Timor-Leste and my visit will inform the RSL initiative to develop support for our veterans from the region. I look forward to providing a detailed report on my visit in my next President’s Newsletter.

Representation, Advocacy and Policy

RSL Australia works tirelessly behind the scenes to advocate for better outcomes for all veterans, serving members and their families. In Quarter 2 of 2024, we have seen positive steps taken for improved claims advocacy services and veterans entitlements. Read on…

Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation

For many years, the RSL has been calling for the consolidation of the three Acts governing veterans’ entitlements and legislation into a single piece of legislation to simplify claims for veterans and their families. In February, the government released draft legislation, and the RSL actively participated by submitting a detailed response during the consultation phase. We're waiting to see the outcome and will keep advocating for legislation that truly serves veterans. Our priorities are ensuring legislation is fit for purpose, meets the current and future needs of our veteran community and does not disadvantage anyone.

Improvements to Claims Advocacy

RSL Australia welcomed the increased measures in the Government’s 2024-25 Budget to support Veterans and their families. One of the measures that RSL had advocated for was funding to strengthen the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) to improve the provision of claims advocacy. Well-trained advocates ensure veterans receive the support they deserve.

The RSL welcomes the establishment of a joint working group between ESORT and DVA to progress the establishment of an independent veterans’ advocacy institute. This institute would set and maintain standards for veterans’ advocates and support veteran advocates in their work to assist veterans and their families.

Defence and National Security

The RSL Defence and National Security Committee has been active, writing several articles and producing its first paper outlining a proposed Australian National Security Strategy. The committee seeks to engage with the membership and encourages members to contribute issues for discussion via the RSL Australia website.

Highlights from Q2

Members across the League reported strong support at Anzac Day services and marches around the country. RSL Australia thanks all the RSL Sub-Branches, War Memorials, Councils, Volunteers, and Community Groups that delivered commemorations on Anzac Day. The ANZAC spirit was felt across the nation. Lest we forget.

RSL Australia received news from Buckingham Palace that His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the patronage of the Returned & Services League of Australia following on from the more than 70-year patronage of the League by the King’s mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Jim Grebert, a WWII veteran and Sandgate RSL Sub Branch member, attended the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemoration in Normandy. Jim raised the Australian flag and laid a wreath on behalf of RSL Australia in memory of departed Allied comrades.

There has been good growth in the number of veterans joining the RSL Active Strava Clubs. Members of the RSL Active Strava Clubs find motivation and support from virtually connecting with other veterans. Do you ride/walk/run/row/swim? Join us!

RSL Australia provides scholarships for students in theatres where our veterans fought as an expression of gratitude for the support that the local people gave our veterans while they were stationed there. This quarter, scholarships for tertiary study were awarded to deserving students in Crete and Gapyeong (South Korea).

Support the RSL Foundation

As the year ends, please consider making a donation to support the RSL Foundation. Every donation, no matter how big or small, plays a vital part in ensuring the continuation of our work supporting past and present servicemen and women and their families. All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.

DONATE

I hope that you enjoy these newsletters. Each quarter, there is always so much to pack into each update, so starting in July, I’ll issue a monthly newsletter to keep you informed of what the RSL National Office is working on to honour, elevate, advocate, and support our veteran community.

Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

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