The RSL has welcomed the Senate Inquiry into the proposed divestment of 67 Defence estate sites, describing it as a critical opportunity to ensure the process is done properly. The Government has only one chance to get the disposal of Defence assets right — and must ensure decisions are transparent, strategic and deliver long-term benefit for veterans, Defence personnel and the broader community.

RSL Australia is proud to be a key sponsor of the new feature documentary: Under the Bamboo Sky - a previously untold story of Australian POWs, brought to life 80 years after the end of WWII and produced by ABCG Film Distribution in collaboration with WildBear Entertainment.

Claims advocacy is one of the most important services the RSL provides to veterans. This is largely provided by RSL volunteer advocates funded through State Branches and Sub-branches. The provision of up to $58.6 million over three years for ESOs through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program will provide greater access for veterans to secure free advocacy services and ultimately, better outcomes.

RSL has launched a national petition calling for a Senate Inquiry into the Government’s planned sale of Defence properties around the country. The League wants the Senate Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade to thoroughly examine the proposed sell-off and look at the management, use and disposal of the Defence estate assets to be put up for sale.

Australia's leading veteran service organisation has called for sustained investment in veteran health and wellbeing ahead of this year's Federal Budget while signalling that the responsibility for reform now extends well beyond government.

I’m watching the news from the Middle East. Here we go again. 

If that sounds weary, it’s because it is. But it isn’t cynicism. It’s recognition. 

For those who have served there, the reaction is physical before it is intellectual. The geography flashes on screen. The names of cities. The familiar cadence of escalating statements and retaliatory strikes. We have seen this sequence before.

The Returned & Services League of Australia says the delay in resolving findings of unlawful killings by Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan represents an unacceptable injustice. RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley AM, says justice demands that all allegations, findings and charges must be resolved as a matter of urgent priority.

The RSL has welcomed the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ introduction of a new Medicinal Cannabis Framework to protect veterans from over-prescribing and other controversial practices of telehealth cannabis companies. The changes are effective from 16 February 2026.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has paid tribute to former Brigadier George 'Warry' Mansford AM, who passed away yesterday (19 February 2026), aged 91. RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM said George Mansford was a soldier’s soldier, a formidable leader and respected by all who knew him.

The RSL has received assurances that Australian war graves damaged in the war in Gaza will be repaired and restored as soon as it is safe to do so. More than 260 Australians mostly from World War One and primarily Light Horsemen killed in 1917, are buried or have their ashes interred at the Gaza War Cemetery.

The RSL congratulates the MPs appointed to the Federal Shadow Ministry, particularly those allocated the key Veterans’ Affairs, Defence, Defence Industry and Personnel and Sovereign Capability portfolios. The RSL is non-partisan and works with all sides of parliament in the best interests of veterans, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families.

On 13 February 2026, a group of hardy RSL members embarked on the 22km walk of the Main Range in the Kosciuszko National Park.

Their purpose - to honour our deployed ADF personnel, who serve in challenging and unfamiliar environments, away from home and family, to acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice they make on Australia’s behalf and to raise funds to continue supporting their morale and wellbeing through the ‘Australian Forces Overseas Fund’ (AFOF).

Our thoughts are with all those injured in today’s collapse of a portable stand at the Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, and their families. We thank the first responders for their prompt action. We wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.

Seventy-five years ago, the first cohort of young Australians were registered under the 1951 National Service Scheme. On Saturday, 14 February, we honour their service and that of all those who followed. The RSL will be in attendance at the national commemorative event to honour the service and sacrifice of more than 280,000 Australians called up for national service in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s.

Some 75 years ago, the first of thousands of young Australians had their futures interrupted by a demand from the Commonwealth to undertake military service. They did not enlist. They did not volunteer. But when Australia called, they answered.  As we approach the 75th anniversary of the commencement of the 1951 National Service Scheme, it is right, and long overdue, that our nation pauses to properly recognise their service and sacrifice.

The RSL has again raised concerns regarding damage to the graves of Australian servicemen buried in the Gaza War Cemetery. The RSL has also expressed concern for the welfare of the cemetery’s gardeners and caretakers, who may have been impacted by the current conflict. More than 260 Australians are buried or have their ashes interred at the Gaza War Cemetery.

RSL Calls for Careful Stewardship of Defence Heritage in Historic Estate Reform

RSL Australia is calling on the Government to slow down and get this right, following today's announcement of the largest Defence estate divestment in Australian history.

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM says while the organisation supports modernising Defence infrastructure, the sale of 64 sites, including Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, demands more careful consideration than a single announcement allows.

The RSL is the custodian of Australia’s national memory and the ANZAC tradition. We have an enduring responsibility to honour those who have served and sacrificed. For more than a century, this custodianship has been central to the League’s purpose.

In communities across the country, the RSL works to ensure the stories of service are not lost to time. Thank you to all the sub-branches undertaking important commemorative projects in 2026.

Australia Day Achievement Medallions are awarded in recognition of exceptional performance in special projects or core duties, by Government departments and agencies, not-for-profit organisations and corporate entities. RSL Australia is proud to announce the RSL recipients of the Australia Day Achievement Medallions, celebrating the remarkable individuals whose dedication fuels our community.

The RSL has condemned the vandalism of the Eltham cenotaph in Victoria. The RSL has called for concerted Commonwealth and State Government action to protect Australia's war memorials and for an increase in penalties for those caught defacing and desecrating them. "War memorials are not political props. They are symbols of unity and exist to remember service, loss and duty. They deserve protection and respect at all times," Peter Tinley said.