Reflections on six and a half years leading the RSL

President’s Newsletter

In my final newsletter, I would like to reflect on the past six and a half years as RSL National President.

Leading the RSL, with the support of the National Board, has been a profound privilege, and our accomplishments are a testament to the hard work of the dedicated management teams and the thousands of committed RSL members nationwide.

Stabilising the Ship

When I stepped into the Presidency in 2019, the RSL faced significant challenges to its authority and governance. Our first mission was clear: steady the ship. With the support of our State Branches, we systematically addressed these issues. We didn't just restore the RSL; we built a stronger, more professional, and more effective organisation. Cooperation improved, and crucially, membership numbers began to grow again.

Key impacts and achievements

Stabilising the organisation allowed us to significantly increase our advocacy impact and evolve to meet the needs of future generations of veterans.

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

Our engagement with the Royal Commission is the single most important work of my tenure. Although initially concerned about delays in action, we committed to providing full support for the Royal Commission, including input, attending hearings, and supporting our members. Crucially, we’ve run a sustained advocacy campaign demanding the implementation of all 122 recommendations.

Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study

Launching the MEAO Scoping Study was a proud moment. This critical research will provide evidence to improve services and support for today’s veterans and their families.

Defence and National Security

The RSL is once again a key national voice for the current-serving Defence community. The Defence and National Security Committee was reestablished in 2023 to address vital questions: Is the ADF match fit? Are we recruiting and retaining the people we need? In an uncertain world, the RSL provides a necessary voice that understands both the human cost of service and strategic realities.

International Representation

Representing Australian veterans at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral was deeply moving, a reminder of the Commonwealth bonds forged through the shared sacrifice of our service men and women. My visits to Timor-Leste, New Zealand, Fiji, the Philippines, the US, Canada, and the UK, as well as my participation in the Seoul International Veterans Forum, were important opportunities to share our insights on veteran support while learning from the experiences of other nations. The international veteran community faces similar challenges, and Australia's voice matters in those global conversations.

Beyond the headlines, we achieved comprehensive advocacy wins, including securing ADF service inclusion in the National Census, pushing for greater transparency from DVA in claims processing, advocating for an independent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention, and promoting harmonised funeral benefits.

The Way Forward

As I step down, I do so with immense pride in what we've accomplished together. I have great confidence in the future of the League. We have restored credibility, strengthened government relationships, modernised operations, and achieved professional, evidence-based advocacy. This great organisation, founded in 1916, remains as relevant and vital today as ever, and is well-positioned to meet ongoing challenges, and the needs of our younger veterans.

To everyone who has contributed to our mission. Thank you. I hope I have served you well. The honour has been entirely mine.

Sincerely,
Greg Melick
RSL National President 2019 - 2025

Upcoming Commemorations

19 October - War Widows Day

23 October - Second Battle of Alamein (1942)

24 October - United Nations Day

31 October – Charge of Beersheba (1917)