RSL Australia National President Greg Melick to Retire - Successor to be Elected.
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) is preparing for a change in leadership as RSL National President Greg Melick steps down after six and a half years of service in the leading veteran role. Three exceptional candidates have been nominated by their State Branches.
In accordance with the RSL Constitution, the election will take place on the day of the RSL Australia General Meeting (AGM), Thursday 16 October, with each State Branch able to vote. The new President will take office for a three-year term following the conclusion of the meeting.
The three nominees for National President are: 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; and 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.
Greg Melick said the RSL was fortunate to have three outstanding candidates nominated by their State Branches.
“Each of the nominees brings with them a distinguished record of service and leadership, and each is deeply committed to the values of the RSL,” Greg Melick said.
“The role of the National President is one of both privilege and responsibility. The President serves as the national advocate for the veteran community, leading engagement with government, representing the RSL at commemorations and public events, representing the League in the media, and working with our National Board and our State and Territory Branches towards a common vision.
“As I complete my six years as National President, I am grateful for the support I have received from our members around Australia and their dedication to our shared mission of serving veterans and their families.
“I am confident that whoever is elected as the next National President, the League will continue to thrive as a strong and respected voice for Australia’s veteran community,” Greg Melick said.
Kerry Gallagher AM is currently President of the RSL Queensland South Eastern District and has extensive national leadership experience in professional and veteran organisations. An RSL member for almost 30 years, he is a former National Secretary General of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and is experienced in influencing policy, uniting diverse voices and achieving results using long connections with Federal politicians of all parties.
He held high-level Military Command appointments, serving in Vietnam and in multiple senior roles from 1968 to 1993, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia for leadership in the development of the Australian Defence Forces’ parachute capability. Kerry Gallagher is the National President of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam Association and has a long commitment to the RSL, and a deep commitment to veterans’ welfare.
A graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon and the United States Army Command and General Staff College, he was Director, RSL Queensland Board (2021-2023), Member, State Council of District Presidents, RSL Queensland (2023-current), Director, Mates4Mates (2023-current), Chairman of ANZAC Day Parade Brisbane, National President Australian Army Training Team Vietnam Association (2015-current), Executive Vice President Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (2025-current), President Royal United Services Institute (Queensland) and Vice President of Royal United Services Institute Australia.
Ray James OAM brings more than four decades of distinguished service in operational, leadership, and governance roles across the Australian Defence Force, law enforcement, and the veteran community.
A veteran of the Royal Australian Navy and former NSW Police Officer, his career has spanned warlike and non-warlike operational environments. Since transitioning from uniformed service, he has continued to serve the veteran community through various leadership roles in prominent ex-service organisations including as a former Director of RSL Australia and State President and Director of RSL NSW. He received an RSL Meritorious Service Medal and was awarded Life Membership of RSL. He has held senior roles within the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (NSW Branch) and the Naval Association.
Ray James was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2020 and holds numerous operational and service honours, including the Australian Active Service Medal 1945–75 with Vietnam clasp. He is a Justice of the Peace and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and continues his service to the veteran community as a Director of RSL Custodian Pty Ltd, a member of several RSL NSW committees, Director of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway at Concord, and Trustee of the ANZAC War Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Peter Tinley AM brings a unique combination of military service, business leadership, and political experience to the RSL. Peter 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 and was the first enlisted SAS member to attend the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and then to undertake a second SAS selection course and return to the Regiment as an Officer.
His military service spanned Lebanon, Syria, Bougainville, Afghanistan, Iraq, and he served as the Deputy Commander of Special Forces Task Groups 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, Mines and Petroleum, Asian Engagement, and Youth. He has been a member of the RSL for more than 15 years, and he was a strong advocate for the organisation throughout his Parliamentary career. He is currently Chair of the Veterans’ Transition Centre in Western Australia, a 70-bed facility supporting veterans at risk of homelessness.
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For more information contact: media@rsl.org.au
