President’s Newsletter

Dear Subscriber

2023 has started well with the Federal Government’s announcement of its intention to simplify the legislation governing Veterans’ compensation and rehabilitation.

The RSL has been calling for the consolidation of the three Acts covering veterans’ entitlements into a single piece of legislation to simplify claims for veterans and their families for many years. This would reduce the backlog of DVA claims to ensure veterans and their families are not left waiting for entitlements.

We repeated this call in our Pre-Budget Submission to the Treasury. We also called for the Government to make provisions in the 2023-24 Budget for: 

• Implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, including funding for establishing an independent body to oversee this, led by a National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Wellbeing.
  

• The immediate extension of non-liability healthcare for mental health treatment to ADF reservists on completion of the enlistment process.
  

• Funding to enable DVA to enhance its Advocacy Training and Development Program for volunteer and paid advocates to help veterans navigate the DVA claims process.
  

• The removal of significant barriers currently faced by veterans when accessing timely and appropriate healthcare, particularly by reviewing and increasing the DVA fee schedule to better align it to the actual cost of healthcare.
  

• A tangible reduction in the administrative burden placed on healthcare providers in accessing DVA remuneration.
  

• Provisions that enable harmonisation of the funeral benefits payable by DVA under the VEA, MRCA and DRCA so that all payments are aligned at the current highest maximum rate.
  

Anzac Day 2023

There’s no greater way to honour our ANZACs – and all who followed in their footsteps – than by attending an ANZAC Day service and keeping the ANZAC spirit alive.

The RSL is committed to leading the nation in commemorative services and events will take place across the country. Visit our website to find a local service and commemorate with us on 25 April.

Changes to the RSL National Board

• Bryan Slattery has replaced Ray James as NSW Director
  

• Catherine McGregor has replaced Jamie Whitehead as QLD Director
  

• Jacqueline Pascarl has been appointed as a Non-Member Director replacing Madeline Dermatossian.

National Forum for ESOs

RSL will be hosting the second National Forum for ESOs in May. The forum will bring together the collective thinking of Australia’s leading ESOs and offer a platform for discussions on working collaboratively to address challenges to ensure better outcomes for veterans.

RSL Veterans’ Employment Program

In February 2023, we received the most enrolments in the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program to date. It’s great to see the word spreading that the RSL can support veterans, their partners and immediate family members to find rewarding work.

Our Employer Network has also grown, and we now have an extensive network of organisations that support better employment opportunities for veterans.

• Learn more about the Program
  

• View Current Job Opportunities

Program Manager Elle Wilman attending a Joint Transition Seminar

Veterans’ Catalogue

The Veterans’ Catalogue is now nine months into its pilot and is gaining traction in the veteran support space. To date, it has had over 5,000 visitors and over 20,000 searches for services.

Around 1,600 reputable Ex-Service Organisations and veteran service providers are now registered with the Veterans’ Catalogue, including RSL’s extensive Sub-Branch network.

The web-based application is free to use and to feature on. Try the Veterans’ Catalogue today: rslaustralia.org/veterans-catalogue

There are some great opportunities to make significant improvements for veterans this year. The RSL remains actively engaged to ensure veterans and their families are at the heart of decision-making at every step.

Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

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