The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is actively engaging with the Government and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) for more information on the $5,000 annual cap on allied health services announced in the 2026–27 Budget, to make sure that no veteran is left behind.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has acknowledged the Federal Government’s increased investment in Defence capability and national resilience in the 2026-27 Budget but says Australia can no longer afford delays in translating strategic intent into tangible capability outcomes.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the Federal Government’s long-overdue investment in veteran healthcare in the 2026-27 Budget, while warning that significant savings measures announced alongside the package risk undermining the overall benefit to veterans and their families.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has extended its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Australian Army soldier who was fatally injured during a parachuting training course at the Jervis Bay Airfield.

The RSL is calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the growing disparity in veterans’ specialist healthcare payments in the 2026–27 Federal Budget, warning that outdated Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) fee settings are causing wait times of up to nine months for specialist appointments and deterring practitioners from treating veterans.

The RSL says the Government's plan to sell 67 Defence properties must be tested against today's strategic environment, demonstrate a genuine financial benefit to Defence, and deliver greater community value through divestment than through retention.

The RSL has reiterated that the behaviour of booing at Anzac Day commemorations that occurred in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, and also at other locations is unacceptable and has no place at any Anzac Day commemoration. Anzac Day belongs to all Australians, current and former Australian Defence Force members, veterans, their families, and the communities who gather to honour their service and sacrifice. It is a day that must remain inclusive, accessible and dignified for everyone who chooses to participate.

RSL Australia is thrilled to announce that the groundbreaking new Australian feature documentary ‘Under a Bamboo Sky’ will be available on Netflix from 8 May, following the success of event screenings at over 100 cinema locations nationally in the lead up to Anzac Day 2026.  

The Returned &Services League of Australia has condemned loutish behaviour that has disrupted Anzac Day commemorations in several States. RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley AM said the booing during the Welcome to Country at services was grossly disrespectful to our First Nations’ people, particularly to those who served, to all veterans and the Australian community.

RSL Australia congratulates the 2026 recipients of the Anzac Peace Prize and the Anzac of the Year Awards. Their dedication is a powerful reminder that the Anzac spirit is not confined to history. It lives on in the actions of Australians who give of themselves, quietly and consistently, for the benefit of others.

The RSL has commended the announcement that Hancock Prospecting will contribute $200 million to purchase properties to house Australia’s homeless veterans. “It is an incredibly generous donation that will be welcomed by the veteran community. It should assist many of Australia’s 6,000 homeless veterans to put a roof over their heads,” Peter Tinley said.

“The Anzac Spirit doesn’t just live in history. It lives in the choices we make today, the way we treat each other, and the unity we show when we come together. Each Anzac Day, we honour not only what was, but what still is: the spirit that has shaped us, the spirit that lives with us, and in us.”

The RSL has welcomed the release of the National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, noting its significant broadening of what national defence now formally encompasses - civil preparedness, fuel security and economic resilience.

This is the total national defence framework the RSL has long argued for, and seeing it formalised in government policy is an important step forward. “Investment of this scale deserves credit, and it also demands urgency,” Peter Tinley said.

The nation’s leading ex-service organisations stand united in congratulating Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM on her appointment as the 42nd Chief of Army, the first woman to lead the Australian Army in its 125-year history.   

This is a moment to celebrate.

RSL Australia extends warm congratulations to Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN on his appointment as Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM on her appointment as Chief of Army, and Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN on his appointment as Chief of Navy.

The RSL is often asked about the correct protocols for wearing medals and we hope this guide will support those who have earned medals, and those who are wearing them in memory, to wear their medals proudly to honour our veterans and remember those who have served. This article serves as a general guide and is not a strict set of rules.

The RSL strongly supports the Australian judicial system and has confidence that it will thoroughly and fairly deal with the allegations of unlawful killings by Australian Special Forces soldiers in Afghanistan.  

By Colin Montefiore.
I had the privilege of being selected to attend the Grassroots Japan-Australia Exchange Program in 2026 as a descendant (son) of a POW who was in Camp 14 Nagasaki, 1750m from the epicentre of the Atomic Bomb. Also selected was Barry Dwyer, a son of another POW from the Ohama coal mine camp. We were accompanied by Mike Gallagher, President of RSL, Tasmania.

The popular commemorative limited edition Anzac Biscuit tins will arrive in stores soon. The Returned & Services League of Australia’s limited edition Anzac Biscuit tins, with the traditional treat inside, will be available from major supermarkets and selected independent stores and outlets from the beginning of April.

More than 22,000 Australians were taken prisoner by Japan during World War Two, with some 8,000 dying due to extreme brutality, forced labour, starvation, and disease.

Launching in cinemas nationally ahead of Anzac Day is a new documentary which shines a light on a little-known aspect of this story, told through the voices and words of those who were there.