The federal election is over, but our advocacy continues

President’s Newsletter

The federal election is over, but our advocacy continues…

Prior to the election, the RSL presented five key asks to parties and candidates. We received responses from Labor, The Greens and The Coalition. The Hon Matt Keogh MP, outlined the Albanese Government’s response and future plans regarding these matters and expressed his appreciation for the RSL's advocacy on veterans’ issues.

The RSL stands ready to work with the re-elected Government to continue our collective efforts to benefit the veteran community. I have written to the Prime Minister congratulating him on his victory in the election. I expressed appreciation for his openness to discussing important policy matters. I also congratulate The Hon Matt Keogh, who has been reappointed as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel for another term. I have requested an early meeting with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, once Cabinet has been finalised, to continue our progress and advocate for the issues set out in the RSL’s 2025 Policy Priorities.

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

Information about the MEAO Veteran and Families Voice Workshops (phase two of the MEAO Scoping Study),
The latest thought piece from the RSL Defence and National Security Committee on the RAAF’s unrealised potential,
Upcoming RSL Active events,
Upcoming commemorations.

Sincerely,
Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

MEAO Scoping Study – Veteran and Families Voice Workshops

Expressions of Interest are now open for the Veteran and Families Voice Workshops, a key part of the MEAO Scoping Study. The workshops will enable invited MEAO veterans, their families and community members who form part of the broader veteran community to express feelings, share concerns and discuss long-term impacts of MEAO deployment.

The workshop phase of the scoping study will play a critical role by capturing the lived experiences, concerns, and suggestions of MEAO veterans and their families. Insights from the workshops will help build a richer, more personal understanding of the impact of MEAO deployments and will support findings from the study’s literature review and data analysis.

Workshops will be held in May and June 2025, in four locations (Brisbane, Sydney, Townsville and Perth), with approximately 30 participants in each workshop.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST

This study is approved by the Department of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs Human Research Ethics Committee (630-25)

Latest thought piece:

The Royal Australian Air Force - Unrealised Potential.

By: Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO (Retd), RSL Defence and National Security Committee.

READ PAPER

RSL Active - Upcoming Events

Kirra Longboard Klassic 2025

1-3 August - Coolangatta, QLD

Free entry into the ADF Open and ADF Women’s Divisions for current and former serving ADF personnel, sponsored by RSL Active.

The Long Ride 2025

10-18 October - To Esperance, WA

A motorbike tour that makes a difference with a veteran leading the charge! Registrations are open

RSL Remembrance Ride 2025

9-15 November - Tallangatta, VIC

An opportunity to ride with fellow veterans, challenge yourself, and connect with communities. Expressions of Interest are open

Upcoming Commemorations

13 May - End of the North Africa Campaign (1943)

14 May – Hospital Ship Centaur sunk (1943)

25 May - Operation Astute, East Timor (2006)

26 May - First attack on FSB Balmoral (1968)

29 May – International Day of UN Peacekeepers

31 May – Japanese submarines attack Sydney Harbour (1942)

31 May – Boer War ends (1902)

6 June – D Day, the Liberation of Europe commences (1944)

6 - 7 June - Battle of Long Khanh (1971)

7 June - Military Working Dog Day

75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War.

A National Commemorative Service will take place on 25 June at the Australian National Korean War Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra.
Register to attend