RSL Welcomes Government Update on Royal Commission Implementation Progress

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the Government’s update outlining progress in implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

RSL Australia National President Greg Melick said today’s statement to parliament by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh MP, indicated the work already undertaken but also showed that much remained to be done to implement all 122 recommendations of the Royal Commission to enhance the wellbeing of all veterans, Defence personnel and their families.

Minister Keogh outlined in his speech that in the nine months since the Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report, nine of the recommendations had already been implemented and work on a further 110 was underway, with a number of these due to be completed by the end of this year.

“The RSL was pleased to hear Matt Keogh describe the final report of the Royal Commission as a ‘living, breathing to-do list for Government to do better’ and the RSL is committed to ensuring this report does not sit on the shelf”.

“The RSL is aware of the considerable effort being undertaken within the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence and the Implementation Task Force established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. We are also aware that some of the recommendations will take time to implement, and it’s important that things are well considered and that the veteran community is consulted with,” Greg Melick said.

“One of the areas for priority action recommended by the Task Force is the establishment of the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission. The RSL advocated strongly for an independent commission, and so we’re very pleased to hear that $44.5 million in operational funding will be provided over the next four years, in addition to the initial $5 million. This will significantly benefit our veterans.

“Both Minister Keogh and Shadow Minister, Darren Chester MP, highlighted the importance of the appointment of an Independent Commissioner and the RSL is involved in the review to support this.

“We also welcome the Government’s priority to develop a Women Veterans’ Strategy and to research brain injury in the services, as well as addressing the recommendations relating to sexual misconduct in the military.

“The Minister expressed his support for the establishment of a peak body for ex-service organisations (ESOs) but said this would rely on the collaboration of ESOs. The RSL is involved in this process.”

Greg Melick said the RSL would continue to work closely with the Departments of Veterans' Affairs and Defence, and the Implementation Taskforce to ensure the implementation of the recommendations leads to change that will strengthen the health and wellbeing of veterans, service personnel and their families.

“Our veterans and current ADF personnel have always done whatever we ask of them, and while most retire from service in a good place, too many have paid a very high price, as have their families. Australia owes them a debt which must now be paid.

“The RSL, as Australia’s largest ex-service organisation, is determined to continue its advocacy to gain the best outcomes for veterans, ADF personnel and their families,” Greg Melick said.

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For more information contact RSL Australia:

Tony Harrison, National media contact: media@rsl.org.au