Four Corners investigation confirms RSL warnings on veterans’ advocacy
The ABC Four Corners episode ‘Defenceless’ aired on 5 October 2026, exposing a system of exploitation.
RSL Australia has welcomed and supported an ABC Four Corners investigation into unethical businesses exploiting veterans and overcharging taxpayers, saying the program reflects concerns the RSL has raised publicly for more than two years, that a few businesses are exploiting a system under strain.
These are businesses that overcharge for advocacy services and medical reports, bringing veterans into their web of health services that are not delivered, not appropriate and harm the veterans they should be helping.
Affected veterans can get free and safe support through RSL’s network of around 600 trained, accredited advocates, as well as social and wellbeing support, continuing a service the RSL has provided since it was founded in 1916.
RSL has raised concerns for years
In 2025, RSL Australia, RSL Victoria and RSL NSW gave evidence to a Senate Committee inquiry, detailing overcharging and other unethical practices by some businesses. RSL Australia subsequently lodged a submission, and continues to consult with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in recommending legislation, regulation and compliance activities to stamp out exploitative practices.
RSL National President Peter Tinley AM said the Four Corners investigation highlighted why stronger regulation was needed.
“Monday night’s story was hard to watch, but it was a story that needed to be told. For too long, a small number of operators had treated injured veterans as customers rather than people in need of help and support. While increased funding flowed into the sector following the Royal Commission, the absence of regulation alongside it has created an incentive for the rapid growth of a for-profit industry.”
“Veterans are not sales leads. They are not “avatars”. They are people who have served their country and come out of the armed services with health needs. They need care and support. They do not deserve further harm.”
RSL calls for regulation and enforcement
RSL Australia wants to work with the Australian Government to deliver reforms, effective legislation, regulation and compliance action to act on overcharging, overservicing and other exploitation.
The reforms RSL is calling for include a ban on commissions, contingency, “break” fees and other measures to regulate advocacy services; a ban on using veterans’ DVA-derived personal or health information for marketing, or trading their information; real anti-phoenixing powers so operators cannot dodge scrutiny by closing on Friday and reopening under a new name on Monday; and to properly resource a statutory regulator with investigation and enforcement powers.
Mr Tinley said RSL would continue pushing for action beyond the Four Corners investigation.
“We don't want a headline out of this. We want laws and we want laws policed. Fee caps, a ban on commissions, a ban on selling veterans' data as sales’ leads, and we want operators who overcharge and overservice to be prosecuted and their business models shut down.
“That's what we're pushing for, and we will not let it fade once the cameras and microphones are gone.”
Free support is available
Veterans and their families who need help navigating a DVA claim or finding care and support can access RSL’s network of around 600 trained, accredited advocates and RSL support and wellbeing services. Supports are provided free of charge to all veterans, whether or not they are RSL members.
Veterans or family members who are concerned they have been overcharged, misled, or poorly served by a provider can also contact RSL for free advice and support. Reach out to your local RSL Sub-Branch for support.
If this story raises anything difficult for you, support is available around the clock through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.