RSL Congratulates Shadow Ministers

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) congratulates the MPs appointed to the Federal Shadow Ministry, particularly those allocated the key Veterans’ Affairs, Defence, Defence Industry and Personnel and Sovereign Capability portfolios.

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM said the League looked forward to working with Darren Chester as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, James Paterson (Defence) Phillip Thompson (Defence Industry and Defence Personnel), Andrew Hastie (Industry and Sovereign Capability), Andrew Willcox (Assistant Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability) and Leah Blyth (Assistant Shadow Minister for Defence.

Peter Tinley said Darren Chester was a former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and has a deep knowledge of the portfolio. We look forward to working with him again.

“The RSL is non-partisan and works with all sides of parliament in the best interests of veterans, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families,” he said.

“This is a crucial time for the veteran and Defence communities, and it is vital we have both the Government and Opposition working to achieve the best outcomes for those who have served and continue to serve our nation.

“The RSL has long called for a dramatic and much-needed increase in support for veterans and their families, as well as extra funding for the ADF and Defence industry. The current Government has made important improvements but this needs to continue and grow.

“We will be happy to brief the Shadow Ministers as we regularly brief Government Ministers on veteran issues, ADF resourcing and major Defence spending commitments,” Peter Tinley said.