RSL Australia Elects New National President. Ex-Special Forces Officer Peter Tinley AM.
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) today announces Peter Tinley AM, a distinguished Former Special Forces Officer, has been elected as the new National President.
The retired Special Air Services Regiment Major and former Western Australian Government Minister was formally elected today by the RSL’s State Branches prior to the RSL Australia Annual General Meeting.
Peter Tinley replaces Major General Greg Melick (Retd), who has stepped down after six and a half years of leading Australia’s premier veteran organisation.
Peter Tinley brings a distinguished record of service and leadership, as well as a deep commitment to the values of the RSL, to his new role. He has a unique combination of military service, business leadership, and extensive political experience.
Peter Tinley said he was honoured to be elected to lead the RSL nationally and thanked the State Branches for their support and the faith shown in him.
“Leadership is not about command; it is about service. I offer my experience in uniform, in business, and in Parliament to serve the RSL and the veteran community at large. I will bring focus, energy, and accountability to the role of National President,” Peter Tinley said.
“The RSL is the most enduring and trusted institution in the veterans’ space. Our responsibility is not just to honour the fallen, but to fiercely advocate for and support the living. The RSL must lead with relevance, compassion, and impact and be veteran-focused, not just veteran-adjacent.”
Peter Tinley has been an RSL member for more than 15 years and has supported RSL Western Australia directly through advocacy within government and the community. He says the strength of RSL Australia lies in the strength of its State and Territory Branches.
“My leadership will be about service to our Branches, offering centralised tools, shared services, digital transformation, and coordinated advocacy to amplify their work, not override it. I do not believe in running programs and services for veterans from the centre, this is the role of the states for the simple fact that they are closest to the veteran.
“The RSL must continue to develop a stronger reputation as the national advocate. I will pursue funding sources for the national office and build stronger policy and advocacy capability.
“I will support innovation in local sub-branches and drive national standards in advocacy, governance and care.
“I want to see RSL at the table on national issues, from disaster response to social cohesion —positioning veterans as nation-builders beyond service,” he said.
Peter Tinley served 25 years in the Australian Defence Force, including 17 years with the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment. Rising from enlisted soldier to Major. He commanded at every level of the SAS up to Squadron Commander, and as an enlisted SAS member, attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon where he was awarded the Queen’s Medal, and then undertook a second SAS selection course to return to the Regiment as an Officer.
His military service spanned Lebanon, Syria, Bougainville, Afghanistan and Iraq, and he served as the Deputy Commander of Special Forces Task Groups in Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9-11 terror attacks. In 2003, Peter Tinley was awarded the Order of Australia for strategic planning and leadership on warlike operations.
Following his military service, Peter Tinley served in the Western Australian Parliament for 15 years, where he held numerous, complex portfolios including serving as Minister for Veterans Issues, Housing, Asian Engagement, and Youth. He is currently Chair of the Veterans’ Transition Centre in Western Australia, a 70-bed facility supporting veterans at risk of homelessness.
Peter Tinley’s three-year term of office began immediately following the RSL’s Annual General Meeting today. Greg Melick will be formally farewelled this evening.
Peter Tinley thanked the outgoing National President for his outstanding contribution and leadership.
“RSL Australia, under Greg Melick’s leadership, has rebuilt trust, modernised its operations, and strengthened its voice as an advocate for those who have served and are serving our nation.
“The League is now well-positioned to continue its vital mission of supporting veterans and their families while contributing to Australia's national security discussions, and I look forward to playing a prominent role leading the RSL into the future,” Peter Tinley said.
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For more information contact: Tony - media@rsl.org.au