RSL National President

Peter Tinley’s Vision for the RSL

Challenges Faced by Veterans

Veterans across Australia face persistent issues: homelessness, underemployment, mental health stress, and a complex claims system. The transition to civilian life remains a vulnerable period for some. Fragmented support services across jurisdictions make it hard for veterans and families to access what they need when they need it. Perversely, there is the counter sentiment in the community that needs to be addressed which perpetuates the “wounded digger” narrative, that is, if you served, you must be broken. While our duty is to the most vulnerable of our tribe, we must also advocate for the vast majority of veterans who are outstanding contributors to organisations across the nation.

The Role of the RSL

The RSL is the most enduring and trusted institution in the veterans’ space. Its responsibility is not just to honour the fallen, but to fiercely advocate for and support the living. The RSL must lead with relevance, compassion, and impact and be veteran-focused, not just veteran-adjacent.

RSL Active and Employment

Programs like RSL Active are vital for connection and recovery. We must invest in expanding these across Australia, especially in regional areas. More broadly, employment is the key to dignity. I would advocate for support the state branches in a national employment initiative linking veterans to corporate, government, and small business opportunities with wraparound supports.

Welfare and Professional Advocacy

We must fix the disjointed and adversarial claims system. I support a professionalised advocacy model—well-trained, properly resourced—and nationally coordinated. Every veteran deserves a competent advocate from the moment they need one. I do not support a private commercialised for-profit advocate service that places profit for the advocate over the best interests of the veteran when giving advice.

Jurisdictional Initiatives

Each state and territory have unique challenges and opportunities. As National President, I will champion a federated model that respects state autonomy while delivering national alignment. I’ve led national negotiations in our federated national political system before—I understand how to build consensus while delivering outcomes. You can not deliver services from the centre.

Supporting State and Territory RSLs

The strength of RSL Australia lies in the strength of its constituent bodies. My leadership will be about service to them—offering centralised tools, shared services, digital transformation, and coordinated advocacy to amplify their work, not override it. I do not believe in running programs and services for veterans from the centre, this is the role of the states for the simple fact that they are closest to the veteran.

Observations on the RSL's Journey

The RSL has faced cultural and operational challenges in recent years but is undergoing necessary change. Governance reforms, generational renewal, and a sharper focus on service delivery are all welcome. But there is still more to do.

Vision for the Future

The RSL must continue to develop a stronger reputation as the national advocate. I will:

• Pursue sources to increase funding of the national office, independent of current state sustainment agreements, to build stronger policy and advocacy capability.

• Lead a national employment and transition agenda in support of the states.

• Advocate for reform of DVA claims processing and funding models as the new act comes into effect.

• Support innovation in local sub-branches while driving national standards in advocacy, governance, and care.

• Bring the RSL to the table on national issues—from disaster response to social cohesion—positioning veterans as nation-builders beyond service.

• Drive collaboration with other ESO’s and foster closer ties with our sister organisation Legacy Australia.