RSL Australia 2025 — A Year in Review 

Written By Jodine La Pere

In 2025, RSL Australia’s National Office continued to champion the interests of veterans, serving members, and their families through impactful national advocacy, meaningful initiatives, and national commentary on issues affecting the defence community.  

National Advocacy and Policy Impact 

At the core of what we do at the National Office is National Advocacy. The RSL National Office maintained a high level of engagement with the Federal Government and Government agencies that deliver services to veterans. The National Office is supported by the RSL National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC), the key forum for policy discussion and development, comprising delegates from each of the RSL State and Territory Branches. The RSL made a number of national advocacy submissions in 2025. These submissions focused on improving veteran outcomes, shaping public policy and pressing for regulatory reform.  

By engaging directly with proposed legislative changes and government consultative processes, the RSL helped shape debate on issues such as the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission, establishing an ESO Peak Body, and wider Royal Commission reform implementation, supporting measures that aim to improve veterans’ access to support and services. 

RSL Australia strengthened sector collaboration and influence by continued engagement with the Ex-Service Organisations Round Table (ESORT), participation and a voice at the National Aged Care Alliance forums, attending the Homeless Veteran Forum, as well as ongoing involvement in DVA-led policy working groups. 

RSL’s Defence and National Security Committee supported the RSL Australia Board by providing informed analysis, discussion papers, and policy positions that strengthen our advocacy for current-serving Defence members and guide our contributions to Government and in the national debate on national security matters. The committee had a very productive 2025, releasing papers, producing webinars and participating in national media.  The DNSC have urged the Government to bolster Defence spending and significantly increase our reserves, especially in fuel and ammunition, to better equip our dedicated service men and women. 

A new National President is elected 

In October 2025, RSL Australia acknowledged the exceptional tenure of National President Major General Greg Melick AO RFD FANZCN KC (Retd) after six and a half years, and welcomed Peter Tinley AM as the new National President, marking a pivotal moment in the League’s leadership. Peter assumed the role and has proceeded to connect with internal and external stakeholders, communicating his vision for the future of the RSL and asserting a commitment to address current challenges and work towards better outcomes for all veterans.  

RSL National President - Peter Tinley AM

An updated RSL badge  

In October 2025, the RSL Australia Board voted to update the RSL badge to feature the Tudor Crown, adopted by RSL Australia’s Patron, King Charles III, and to include Australia’s two floral symbols of remembrance - rosemary and a poppy. The new badge is being rolled out across the League in a cost-effective way, with the former badge ‘grandfathered’ and still recognised.  

Commemorating Service  

The League played a central role in national commemorative events. In 2025, we marked several important anniversaries. We remembered the:  

  • 110th anniversary of the Landings at Gallipoli,  

  • 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain,  

  • 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and Victory in Europe,

  • 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift (Vietnam),  

  • 75th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Malayan Emergency,  

  • 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War, 

  • as well as all other major commemorative dates.   

The RSL National Office coordinated the 2025 RSL ANZAC of the Year Awards, acknowledging exceptional service in our community.  

Peter Tinley lays a wreath on behalf of RSL Australia at the Remembrance Day service at the Australian War Memorial.

International Impact 

Former RSL President Greg Melick represented RSL Australia at the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League 2025 Conference in the Canadian capital Ottawa and at the Seoul International Veterans Forum in South Korea. He also visited three RSL international sub-branches: Washington DC (USA), Subic Bay and Angeles City (Philippines), as well as meeting with Government officials and veterans in Timor Leste. These meetings provided valuable insights into how we can better engage with and support our veterans living outside of Australia. 

Critical Research  

RSL commissioned a critical research project on the impacts on veterans and their families as a result of service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) since 2002, particularly in conflicts in the Middle East. The Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study, was funded by the RSL to identify and better understand the needs and concerns of contemporary veterans and their families and to ensure that they are provided with the support and services they require and deserve. The Scoping Study was the first part of this ground-breaking project, undertaken by an experienced, multidisciplinary consortium headed by Gallipoli Medical Research.  

Better together 

Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) and Legacy Australia signed an MOU, forming a strategic partnership to develop and foster close collaboration nationally in advocacy in support of veterans and their families. In 2026, the incoming President of Legacy will have an office within the RSL National Office in Canberra, and you'll soon see both logos on the front of our building. That's not symbolism—it's how we'll operate. RSL Australia has also sought closer relationships with other ESO’s that are doing important work for veterans. Efforts are being made to work across organisational boundaries to work to our full capacity for those we serve.  

Community Engagement and Initiatives 

RSL Australia continued and expanded programs that foster connection, wellbeing and community: 

  • RSL Scholarships were made available to children and grandchildren of veterans through our partner AVCAT.  

  • RSL Care Packages were packed and sent to Australian Defence Force Personnel serving overseas. A fundraiser campaign for the Australian Defence Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) supported this longstanding RSL initiative.  

Media, Public Voice & National Commentary 

The National Office amplified veteran-related issues through media engagement and public commentary, including media releases, articles, podcasts, interviews, and open letters from the National President. It also supported the work of the RSL’s Defence and National Security Committee through issuing papers and statements on important national and global matters, as well as responding to important veteran issues such as safeguarding war memorials, implementing all recommendations of the Royal Commission, and expressing disappointment at funding cuts for the Salvation Army’s Sallyman program.  

Looking Ahead 

As 2026 approaches, RSL Australia will build on this year’s progress by continuing to refine its strategic policy agenda, elevate veteran voices in national discourse, continue to participate in shaping the Government’s three new pillars of veteran support: the Wellbeing Agency, a national peak body for ESOs, and an Institute of Veteran Advocates, as well as collaborating with other ex-service organisations and business for the benefit of veterans and their families. 

Jodine La Pere
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