President’s Newsletter

The election of a new National President will take place on the day of the RSL Australia Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Thursday, 16 October. This is a pivotal moment for the League as we look to the future and ensure our collective voice remains strong at the national level.

This year, three exceptional candidates have been nominated by their State Branches. Each brings a distinguished record of service and leadership, as well as a deep commitment to the RSL's values. It is my pleasure to introduce them:

Nominees for RSL National President

• Kerry Gallagher AM from Queensland, a former Army Officer, deployed to Vietnam, Iran and Iraq.

• Ray James OAM JP GAICD from New South Wales, a former Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, deployed to Vietnam and the Far East Strategic Reserve.

• Peter Tinley AM from Western Australia, a former Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Officer, deployed to Lebanon, Syria, Bougainville, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East.

You can learn more about each nominee and their vision for the future of our organisation on our website.

The Election Process

The election will take place on the day of the RSL Australia AGM in accordance with the RSL Australia Constitution. A representative from each State Branch will have the opportunity to vote. The newly elected National President will commence their three-year term immediately at the conclusion of the AGM.

A Look at Recent Progress

Our work to support veterans and their families continues to advance on several fronts:

• MEAO Scoping Study: The first draft of the report for the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study is complete and is now under review by the RSL Australia Board and Stakeholder Group. We are currently considering the next steps for this important initiative.
  

• Royal Commission: This September marks one year since the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s final report was handed down. We continue to advocate for the implementation of all recommendations, working closely with the Government, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C). This month, Tony Sheehan, the Head of PM&C’s Royal Commission Implementation Taskforce, briefed me and the RSL’s National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC). He advised that the Taskforce was currently addressing key recommendations, including the establishment of a Wellbeing Agency, an Ex-Service Organisation Peak Body, the Defence and Veterans Services Commission, and the issue of sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces, particularly the recommendation to establish an independent inquiry into sexual misconduct. The Task Force will advise the Government on the order of the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
  

• Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF): Today, at 39OSB Randwick Barracks in Sydney, we are packing 400 care packages to send to Australian service members deployed overseas. Thank you to everyone who donated to the AFOF, and our dedicated packing volunteers, who make this possible.

As we enter a new chapter of leadership, I am confident that the RSL will continue to thrive and remain a powerful voice for Australia’s veteran community, regardless of who is elected.

Sincerely,

Greg Melick

RSL National President 2019 - 2025

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