The incoming Australian Government must immediately increase Defence spending to 2.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and lift it to three percent in 12 months’ time.  The RSL says Increasing international tensions and global instability mean that Australia must prioritise security and substantially boost Defence spending. 

The RSL says the new Australian Government elected this Saturday, May 3 must continue the good work of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) in clearing veteran compensation and entitlement claims backlog.

The Labor, the Liberal / National Coalition and the Greens parties have responded to a series of key questions posed by the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) to support the veterans and Defence community.

Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) National President Greg Melick has been awarded a prestigious French honour in recognition of his exceptional leadership planning for Anzac Centenary commemorations from 2011 to 2018.

RSL Australia announces the recipients of the prestigious Anzac of the Year Awards. All four demonstrate outstanding commitment and exceptional service to their respective communities.

The RSL is encouraging all Australians to commemorate Anzac Day this coming Friday, 25 April 2025. This Anzac Day marks a significant anniversary – 110 years since the ANZACs landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 during World War One, so beginning a proud history of service and sacrifice that continues to be revered more than a century later.

The RSL warns that the growing barriers veterans and their families face in accessing timely healthcare, exacerbated by a widening gap between inadequate DVA fees and the actual cost of services that deters essential healthcare providers, must be urgently addressed by the next government. This is one of the five key policy asks the RSL has presented to all parties and candidates contesting the current federal election.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) must acquire a long-range strike bomber to fill a critical capability gap and enhance the nation’s defence. Retired Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO says the absence of a dedicated long-range bomber aircraft, integrated Air and Missile Defence and a robust fighter capability are critical gaps in the RAAF’s arsenal, particularly considering emerging security challenges in Australia’s region. It is a deficiency that the incoming Government must address as a priority.

The RSL is asking all political parties to commit to improving access to quality, fee-free advocates to assist veterans and their families navigate the complex processes involved in accessing compensation and wellbeing support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has reiterated its call for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and says the current election provides the opportunity for all parties to commit to this.

Sales of Anzac biscuits in collectable commemorative tins will support the vital work of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) to assist veterans around Australia.

The RSL is partnering with Subway Australia to raise funds through the sale of Anzac biscuits to assist veterans and their families right around the country. A percentage of all sales of traditional Anzac biscuits purchased at Subway’s more than 1,200 outlets around Australia will go to support RSL programs to aid the nation’s veteran community.

False claims of cuts to Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) staff and services are adversely impacting on veterans and should cease immediately.  The RSL says it has been advised by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that his planned public service cuts, should he win government, will not involve DVA staff providing support and services for Australia’s veteran community. 

RSL Australia attended the ESORT (Ex-Service Organisation Round Table) meeting on 25 March 2025. Here is the communique provided by DVA summarising the meeting.

The RSL has described the coming May election as crucial for Australia’s future and has listed the nation’s defence preparedness and support for veterans and their families as key considerations for all politicians and parties.  The RSL has called for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and for a significant increase in investment in Australia’s defence capability. These are among five priority asks the RSL says must be addressed by the next Federal Government following the coming election. 

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's Budget-reply promises to maintain veteran services and boost Defence funding are positive, but more detail is needed. Mr Dutton foreshadowed potential public sector cuts but not to frontline DVA and Defence services and the veteran community will hold the Opposition to this commitment.

Harry Tysoe, grandson of two WWII POWs, embarked on a poignant journey to Japan as part of the 2025 Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program. Visiting sites of historical significance, including Hiroshima and POW camps, he explored the lasting impact of war, fostering reconciliation and understanding while honouring the memory of those who suffered.

The RSL has welcomed tonight’s Budget announcement to continue the Federal Government’s support for the veteran community.  But it is disappointing that it hasn’t taken more definitive funding decisions to implement all recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and that it hasn’t boosted Defence spending sufficiently to meet increased international instability and the growing security threat in our region. 

RSL’s much-anticipated limited edition Anzac Biscuit tins will arrive in stores by the first of April, bringing a wave of excitement among collectors and RSL supporters.   Find out more about the tins and which stores will be stocking them.

Late last year, RSL Australia announced a ground-breaking initiative to assess the impacts on Australian veterans of service in our armed forces between 2002 and 2021, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq.  

The RSL has already received its first progress report from the research consortium that shows the project is progressing well and is on time.