Guaranteed Government Commitment to Veterans Encouraged to Supplement Record Level of RSL Support
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is grateful for government support and funding of veteran services and is encouraging the Federal Government to look at providing guaranteed and sustainable needs-based funding to supplement the ongoing reliance on ex-service organisations and volunteers.
This follows the RSL experiencing a record year in demand for support, representation and service delivery across the veteran community across which more than $13.3 million was spent on welfare service delivery. In the past year, the RSL has provided 437,000 hours of advocacy on behalf of veterans – more than 370,000 hours of work supporting veterans’ claims for compensation and 66,000 hours of veteran welfare services This emphasises the current reliance of the veteran support system on services provided by organisations like the RSL.
The RSL says there is an urgent need for long-term solutions and certainty to resolve the many serious issues and concerns confronting veterans, service personnel and their families – critical to addressing some of the issues arising as part of the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
RSL Australia President Greg Melick said issues needing such solutions include reducing the complexity of relevant legislation and ensuring DVA funding is demand driven and not subject to annual budget allocations.
“The Royal Commission presents Australia with the opportunity to address the devastating impact of this scourge on veterans, serving Defence Force personnel and their families. It also represents an opportunity to focus on the broader needs of veterans and their families, not only now, but into the future,” Greg Melick said.
“The RSL is providing advice and assistance for veterans and their families throughout the process to help their voice and experience to be heard. We have always sought to engage with whichever process can achieve the best outcomes for Defence Force members, veterans and their families regarding mental health and suicide.
“Ex-service organisations, the Government and Australian society must all work together to find and coordinate solutions to minimise Defence Force and veterans’ suicide, and in doing so, honour the covenant between the Australian people and those who have served and sacrificed so much on their behalf.”
Greg Melick said the RSL’s record level of support and representation for veterans and active service personnel across Australia and in overseas theatres of operation was testament to the immediate need for improvements and the importance of holistic solutions for the future.
“The RSL’s investment over the past year has funded the provision of welfare services for veterans, covering mental health training and support, employment assistance, transition support, and a range of other wellbeing initiatives.
“Veterans needing support and assistance can find it as close as their nearest RSL Sub-Branch and the importance and value of this support and and the more that 450,000 hours of work of RSL volunteers cannot be underestimated.
“Additional initiatives include the establishment of a national mental health training program, the RSL Veteran Employment Program, development of transition hubs, expansion of veteran wellbeing centres, a program of bursaries, scholarships and grants for veterans and their families, and preparations for the launch of 12-month pilot digital ‘Catalogue of Services’ initiative to connect Australian veterans and their families to the services, support, and communities they need.
“As well as continuing and expanding our range of services, we are committed to working with government, the ex-service organisation sector, veterans and their families to coordinate the response needed to minimise risk of suicide and maximise the wellbeing of Australia’s Defence Force members and the veteran community.”
Greg Melick said the RSL has the network, the experience, and the expertise to lead the ex-service organisation response, and in doing so, help to improve the lives of Australia’s Defence members, veterans, and their families.
“The heritage of the RSL Australia-wide – where mates have voluntarily helped mates independently for some 106 years – will continue to be the bedrock of our service and veteran support throughout and beyond the Royal Commission process,” he said.
National Media contact: Tony Harrison
Email: tony@wearebright.com.au
Phone: 0417 318 178