Veteran Disappointment at Salvation Army Funding Cut

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) says the veteran and Defence Force community will be extremely disappointed at the decision to cease funding the Salvation Army’s “Sallyman” program.

RSL Australia National President, Greg Melick said the Salvation Army program had been supporting Australian troops in the field for well over a century and it was a serious concern that this support may no longer be available due to Defence Department budget cuts.

Greg Melick said while funds needed to be found to pay for the AUKUS submarines, new destroyers, missiles and other key equipment purchases, the morale of service personnel was equally important as emphasised by the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

“The Salvation Army Sallymen and Sallyma’ams have played a vital role in building and maintaining this morale, throughout the military and more often on the front line of conflicts.

“Service veterans have nothing but praise for the work of the ‘Salvos’ and the comfort and care they bring to our troops, often at great personal risk.

“Many had risked their personal safety in the quest to support our troops in battle, and veterans will not forget this.

“The decision to cut the funding to the program is a major disappointment and the RSL urges the Government to reconsider and do all it can to ensure the service continues to support our service men and women, as well as veterans and their families,” Greg Melick said.