National Policy & Advocacy
The Returned & Services League of Australia has played an instrumental role in shaping legislation relating to veterans for over 100 years.
The RSL is one of the most respected voices representing veterans, directly influencing the Federal Government. We advocate on serious and important issues to current and former serving ADF members and their families. We defend their rights and benefits and fight to ensure the government puts the needs of those who have served their country first.
RSL is non-partisan, which means we are not biased towards any particular political group. It is the role of RSL Australia’s National Office and National President to advocate for veterans and their families and work on behalf of our independent State and Territory Branches to shape policy, legislation, and the national agenda on veterans’ affairs with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders.
RSL Australia’s advocacy is delivered through formal committees and working groups and informal engagement with the key political leaders and Commonwealth agencies.
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National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC)
The RSL Australia National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC) is the key forum for policy discussion and development.
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Policy Priorities & Submissions
Read the RSL’s Submissions and learn more about the policy priorities that RSL Australia is actively advocating for.
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VETS Act
RSL continues to support the Government to ensure the transition to the single Act of legislation governing veterans’ entitlements is seamless and leaves no veteran worse off.
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Royal Commission
RSL Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s positive response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. RSL is tracking the progress and advocating that all recommendations be implemented.
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External Representation
To support our advocacy efforts, RSL Australia participates in various working groups and forums.
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ESO Engagement
To be truly representative of the veteran community and understand the current barriers to services delivery and health and wellbeing outcomes for our serving and ex-severing members and their families, RSL Australia works closely with other ESOs as much as possible.
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2025 Federal Election
The RSL advocated for priority veterans issues throughout the 2025 Federal Election campaign. RSL Australia invited party leaders and key portfolio spokespeople to record a short video for the Defence and veteran community.