President’s Newsletter

A Final International Chapter: Strengthening Our Global Veteran Ties

Before my second term as the RSL National President draws to a close this October, I'll be embarking on a significant international trip, representing RSL Australia and our veterans in Canada, the United States, the Philippines, and later, South Korea. These visits confirm our commitment to the welfare of all Australian and Commonwealth veterans, no matter where they reside.

The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) Conference in Ottawa, Canada

I will be representing the RSL at the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) conference, which brings together delegates from member organisations representing 46 Commonwealth countries. This organisation, founded in 1921, has a long and proud history of ensuring no Commonwealth veteran is left without support.

The conference takes place every four years. This year's conference is particularly crucial as we'll be discussing the future of RCEL as an independent charity beyond 2027. While the Commonwealth Veterans Programme funding has been extended until March 2027, it's vital we plan for the long term. RSL Australia has submitted a discussion paper focusing on a new model for RCEL, with a particular emphasis on support in the Pacific. The RSL is keen to see increased support for veterans from Pacific nations, many of whom currently receive little or no assistance in their own countries.

Being at this conference allows us to discuss critical veteran matters, including updates on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and our RSL-led MEAO Scoping Study. Our active participation is essential for strengthening relationships with fellow Commonwealth veteran organisations.

Reconnecting with RSL Sub-Branches in the US and the Philippines

Following the RCEL Conference in Canada, my focus shifts to strengthening our ties with RSL sub-branches in the United States and the Philippines.

After the conference, I’ll travel to Washington, US, to meet with the RSL Washington Sub-Branch. This sub-branch represents the interests of ex-pat Australian veterans residing in the US, which includes a large contingent of ADF veterans. Minister Thistlethwaite visited in 2024, but it has been years since RSL Australia visited, and I believe it's incredibly important to reconnect with these members and hear their perspectives.

From there, I will be visiting our two RSL sub-branches in the Philippines: Angeles City and Subic Bay. The Defence Attaché in the Philippines requested a visit from RSL senior leadership back in 2023, and the RSL Angeles Sub-Branch also requested I visit in late 2024. I'm pleased I will be able to make this happen. These sub-branches, run by Australian expatriate veterans, have sought more guidance and engagement from the RSL. I look forward to meeting with them, understanding their challenges, and offering support.

Honouring Our Korean War Veterans

In late July, at the request of the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of South Korea, I'll visit South Korea to participate in the commemorative ceremony honouring the United Nations Forces of the Korean War, and attend an International Veterans Forum. This visit, part of the Revisit Korea Program, is hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Veterans Association, coinciding with the 72nd anniversary of the armistice.

It's a privilege to represent you at these important occasions and to ensure that the RSL remains a strong, influential voice for those who have served.

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

• National Advocacy Update

• An appeal for donations to the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF)

• Information about the MEAO Veteran and Families Voice Workshops (part of the MEAO Scoping Study)

• The latest thought piece from the RSL Defence and National Security Committee

• Upcoming commemorations.

Sincerely,
Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

National Advocacy Update

National Advocacy is at the core of what we do at the National Office. Over the past month, we've been focused on several key areas to ensure the voices of veterans and their families are heard:

• Co-designing a 'Peak Body for ESOs': We've been actively participating in workshops to create a trusted and influential veteran and family support organisation. This new body, a recommendation from the Royal Commission, will provide a collective voice for the ex-service organisation (ESO) sector.

• Responding to the Senate Inquiry into Compensation and Income Support for Veterans: In our submissions, the RSL highlighted significant concerns about unscrupulous fee-for-service advocacy providers. We're calling for improved regulation and accreditation within the sector and will continue to advocate for changes that protect the interests of veterans.

• Engaging with the Aged Care Reform: We've been actively involved in the National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) forum, participating in meetings, to ensure the interests of our ageing veterans are well-represented in the ongoing aged care reforms.

• Participation in the Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT): This forum serves as a crucial link between the ESO sector and the Government. It brings together a wide range of perspectives, giving the Government a better understanding of the contemporary challenges facing veterans and their families, and how policy decisions may impact them.

• Supporting the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission (DVSC): Next week, the National Office will convene a key meeting with Michael Manthorpe PSM, Interim Head of the DVSC, and the RSL National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC) to discuss how the RSL can support the establishment of the Commission, which is due to commence on 29 September this year. I thank Mr. Manthorpe for being so open to input from the RSL, and welcome this continued engagement. The establishment of the DVSC is in response to Recommendation 122 of the Royal Commission’s final report, and will be critical as the independent oversight body for the successful implementation of the Royal Commission's recommendations.

Honour the past. Support the present. 

A $25 donation will enable RSL Australia to send a care package filled with Aussie treats and a letter of appreciation to one of our deployed servicemen or servicewomen.  

We are aiming to raise enough to pack 400 packages. It’s an enormous undertaking, only made possible by donations and our dedicated packing volunteers.  Please help us reach our goal.

Middle East Area of Operations Scoping Study

The final workshop will be held in Perth on 23 June. If you’re in Perth, please consider participating.

Upcoming Commemorations