The RSL has condemned the vandalism of the Eltham cenotaph in Victoria. The RSL has called for concerted Commonwealth and State Government action to protect Australia's war memorials and for an increase in penalties for those caught defacing and desecrating them. "War memorials are not political props. They are symbols of unity and exist to remember service, loss and duty. They deserve protection and respect at all times," Peter Tinley said.

The Returned & Services League of Australia has called for all States and Territories to increase penalties for people who intentionally or recklessly damage the nation’s war memorials.