RSL Australia - National President’s Newsletter

President’s Newsletter

This week, I attended the Ceremonial Closing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. It was a significant opportunity to reflect on what we’ve heard and learned over the past three years.

Australia’s veterans need and deserve immediate action to address the many factors which lead to veteran suicides, and the RSL will be advocating for the implementation of the recommendations in the Final Report.

On Saturday, 24 August, I attended and spoke at the Defence Reserves Association’s annual conference. Since previously attending this conference, we have seen the Australian Government roll out the Defence Strategic Review and now the National Defence Strategy, which both discuss the importance of our nation’s Reserves.

I have seen our region changing to a more contested paradigm as I have travelled over the last 18 months to various neighbouring nations on RSL duties and I remain concerned regarding Australia’s Defence preparedness.

Earlier this month, RSL’s Defence and National Security Committee (DNSC) had an article published in The Australian questioning our preparedness to fulfil our international treaty obligations and the ability of the Australian Defence Force to meet current and potential future missions. Read it here.

RSL members are welcome to contribute to matters for discussion by the DNSC. I know those who’ve served care deeply about the security of our nation, and I invite you to send me your thoughts on Defence and national security matters via our website.

A significant improvement in veterans welfare will come about should the proposed Veterans’ Entitlements Bill come into effect and replace the three existing Acts which are complex to navigate. On 31 July RSL lodged a submission to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Bill. We will continue to seek the best outcomes for veterans and their families.

I must also mention a special visitor to the office this month. Major General (Retd) Peter Phillips AO, MC, visited to attend the Defence and National Security Committee meeting. It was a pleasure to speak with him. Major General Phillips was the RSL National President from 1997-2003.

In this newsletter below, I’ve highlighted several opportunities available to our veteran community and important upcoming commemorations.

Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

Opportunities for the veteran community

RSL Scholarships

RSL Australia provides tertiary study scholarships for children and grandchildren of Australian veterans.

Applications for 2025 RSL Scholarships are open. Apply now.

Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program - Apply now

In the spirit of post-war reconciliation, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites descendants of Prisoners of War to visit Japan in early 2025 for an 8-day tour to promote goodwill. Learn more.

Write a Will for free

RSL Australia has partnered with Safewill to offer our community a cost-effective way to create a Will. Safewill is offering the opportunity to write your Will for free from 2-16 September. For access to continued edits you'll just need to pay a small annual subscription fee. Learn more.

The Veteran's Challenge Tournament

RSL Active is supporting the Veterans Challenge Tournament on 26th October at the Hellenic Club ACT. It promises to be a great night out. Tickets are on sale to raise funds for veterans and their families. Learn more.

Wheels on Waves

Wheels on Waves will arrive in Cairns in the next few days and will then head to Darwin. Veterans are invited to come aboard and sail on the purpose-built, fully accessible catamaran. Learn more.

Upcoming Commemorations

31 August - Malaya and Borneo Veterans' Day

3 September - Merchant Navy Day

4 September - Battle for Australia Day

14 September - National Peacekeepers’ Day

20 September - 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste