RSL Australia - President’s Newsletter

President’s Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing to receive this newsletter. Each quarter, I endeavour to summarise the work RSL Australia has been doing to support and advocate for veterans and their families.

2024 promises to be a year of change, and the first quarter has demonstrated this. It’s been a busy start to the year. The RSL has:

submitted a Pre-Budget Submission to Treasury requesting the Australian Government make provisions in the 2024-25 Budget to strengthen the health and wellbeing of Australia’s veterans and their families,
submitted a response to the Aged Care 2023 Exposure Draft,
submitted an evaluation of the pilot Wellbeing and Support Program (WASP) run by DVA,
Shared a paper on the urgent need to review and uplift the DVA fee schedule so veterans don’t experience barriers to healthcare,
Written a letter in support of DFWA on Military Invalidity Payments.

Significant consultation across the League is also underway to provide a response to the draft Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatments and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 before the consultation period closes on 28 April.

Staying abreast of policy issues and veterans’ affairs

Key policy issues in the veterans’ affairs space are discussed by a council of delegates from each of the RSL State Branches at the National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC). In the first quarter topics of discussion have included: The Royal Commission, how to inform and engage members in advocacy matters, the Pre-Budget Submission, the Legislative Reform, addressing the scarcity of Claims Advocates, and responding to the Aged Care 2023 Exposure Draft.

The committee meets every two months. RSL Members are invited to submit topics for discussion via the web form on the RSL Australia website.

Focusing on Defence and National Security

Many people who’ve served in uniform still feel a commitment to the national security of our country. They want to understand why governments are making decisions, and they want to have their voice heard. The RSL Defence and National Security Committee was set up in late 2023 to offer a voice to our members.

In the first quarter, the committee has discussed Personnel Recruitment (targets not being met), AUKUS (Challenging fiscal and personnel demands), Navy Surface Combatant Force, and issues faced by the Australian Defence Industry.

Members are invited to submit topics for discussion via the web form on the RSL Australia website.

ANZAC Day 2024

This ANZAC Day, join the RSL in honouring all who have served our nation. 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. Services and events will take place across the country.

Find a service

Japan-Australia Grassroots program

The Japan—Australia Grassroots Exchange Program provides descendants of Prisoners of War with an avenue for healing and understanding. In March, Mr Duncan Anderson RSL Deputy National President, Ms Joy Derham, daughter of Lance Corporal John ‘Jack’ Lonsdale (POW from 1942 – 1945), and Mr Trent Beilken, grandson of Private Robert Rolls (POW 1942), were invited to Japan in the spirit of reconciliation.

Over 300 care packages sent to ADF deployed overseas

In March, RSL volunteers spent the day at the 39 OSB Randwick Army Barracks packing care packages for members of the ADF and the Australian Federal Police who are deployed overseas on military operations. They generously give their time to show their appreciation to our service men and women. Thanks to our volunteers, over 300 care packages are on their way!

RSL Active - Connecting veterans, enhancing support circles

The RSL Active program offers recreation, events and activities for veterans and their families. There’s something for everyone, from cycling to hiking, pottery to yoga, sailing to swimming. The RSL Active Strava Clubs have also been gaining popularity as a way to connect virtually, share fitness goals and participate in friendly challenges. Get involved, enhance your social and support networks and join the fun!

RSL Active

For more regular updates, please follow our social media channels (links below). Each month a summary of RSL Australia’s work is also published to the RSL Australia website.

Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

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