RSL Policy Priorities

Reflecting policy discussions at the National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC) and advice from the RSL Defence and National Security Committee. The National Board has endorsed eight high priority issues that RSL Australia will advocate for in 2025.

• Full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

• Increasing the number of quality fee-free veteran claims and wellbeing advocates to meet the demand for the service, improvements in advocacy training and development, and coordination and regulation through the Institute of Veterans’ Advocates. 

• Improved access to healthcare for veterans and their families

• Sustained investment in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to safeguard the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families into the future and to prevent the recurrence of a claims backlog.

• Reducing Veteran Homelessness with early intervention and targeted veteran housing programs

• Supporting veterans as they transition into the aged care system 

• Increased Defence spending to provide for a balanced Defence force with increased defence capability, including recruitment and retention 

• Strengthening Defence relationships with traditional Five Eyes Commonwealth Countries and our Asian and Pacific neighbours.