The Returned & Services League of Australia

The RSL is Australia's largest ex-service organisation, dedicated to serving those who have served, since 1916.

 

 149,000+ Members

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1,095 Sub-Branches

A Voice for Veterans

RSL Australia is a leading voice for veterans (both current and former serving ADF members) and their families, working 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 advocates to ensure the needs of veterans and their families are met, and their voices are heard.  

The RSL State, District and Sub-branches across the nation provide a broad range of welfare and wellbeing services, programs and events for current and former ADF members and their families.   RSL Memberships are managed by State Branches.

Connect with your State Branch.   
  • ANZAC Day

    ANZAC Day

    On Anzac Day, we honour the legacy of the ANZACs and that of all who have followed in their footsteps.  On 25 April, thousands of ANZAC Day services will take place across Australia. Whether you’re travelling or staying close to home, please join us to remember.

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  • National Advocacy

    The RSL is one of the most respected voices representing veterans, directly influencing the Federal Government. We advocate on important issues to current and former serving ADF members and their families.

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  • National Research

    The Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study is currently underway. This is the first phase of a major two-stage study to research the impacts on veterans and their families as a result of Australian Defence Force (ADF) service since 2002.

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  • Veterans standing shoulder to shoulder

    RSL Membership

    Belong to the RSL and get involved in Australia’s largest veteran community.  The RSL welcomes new members and encourages you to belong to the RSL family. 

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2025 Federal Election Asks

Investing in our veterans - RSL’s Five Priority requests to candidates

As Australians prepare to go to the polls on 3 May 2025, the RSL is calling on all candidates and parties to demonstrate a shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of our veterans by committing support for five key priorities. 

 Latest News

 
Featured
False Claims of DVA Cuts Impacting Veterans

False claims of cuts to Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) staff and services are adversely impacting on veterans and should cease immediately.  The RSL says it has been advised by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that his planned public service cuts, should he win government, will not involve DVA staff providing support and services for Australia’s veteran community. 

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ESORT Communique - 25 March 2025

RSL Australia attended the ESORT (Ex-Service Organisation Round Table) meeting on 25 March 2025. Here is the communique provided by DVA summarising the meeting.

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Investing in our Veterans and Defence: RSL’s Five Priority Crucial Election Requests

The RSL has described the coming May election as crucial for Australia’s future and has listed the nation’s defence preparedness and support for veterans and their families as key considerations for all politicians and parties.  The RSL has called for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and for a significant increase in investment in Australia’s defence capability. These are among five priority asks the RSL says must be addressed by the next Federal Government following the coming election. 

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Opposition Promises on Veterans and Defence Positive, But More Detail Needed.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's Budget-reply promises to maintain veteran services and boost Defence funding are positive, but more detail is needed. Mr Dutton foreshadowed potential public sector cuts but not to frontline DVA and Defence services and the veteran community will hold the Opposition to this commitment.

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