RSL Commends Key Appointment to Progress Peak Veteran Service Organisation Body
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has commended the appointment of international independent expert Nick Booth MVO to progress the establishment of a peak Australian veteran service organisation (VSO) body.
Mr Booth has an impressive record of working alongside veteran and community organisations in the United Kingdom and Canada and will now work with the RSL and other veteran organisations to set up a peak body as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley, said Mr Booth’s appointment was an important step in progressing the Peak Body proposal to provide a clear focus to promote the interests of Australia’s veterans and their families.
“The RSL is strongly supportive of the Peak Body initiative and has been working with other like-minded veteran service organisations (VSOs) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) on a steering committee to progress this,” Mr Tinley said.
“As Australia’s largest veteran organisation, we believe we have a responsibility with the other VSOs to provide leadership to see the Royal Commission’s Peak Body recommendation developed into an effective reality.
“DVA has provided positive support and must be commended for securing Mr Booth’s services to undertake this important next step on the journey.
“DVA also agrees that responsibility for shaping and owning the future Peak Body rests with the veteran and VSO sector, and the RSL looks forward to working with the sector and Mr Booth to achieve this.
“We will engage closely with Mr Booth and our partner VSOs with the aim of delivering a strong, united body that can achieve significant outcomes for veterans and their families.
“Providing the best possible support and services for veterans and their families are central to this and with the VSO sector working together I am confident we can achieve an effective, independent national Peak Body,” Mr Tinley said.