RSL Australia
Advocating for benefits, treatment and the welfare of current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and leading the nation in commemorative services, since 1916.
For over one hundred years, RSL Australia has provided a support network, services and an organisation of camaraderie and recognition for current and former serving members.
An ethos of compassion and service remains the motivating influence of the League. Our core mission has never changed and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each generation of servicemen and servicewomen.
RSL Australia today supports public debate and education and has increased public awareness of issues relating to the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. RSL Australia also serves as a sounding board for the Government in the development of policy and practice.
The National Office of the League is situated in Canberra. Whilst each State and Territory have a Branch Headquarters to serve the grassroots members, the RSL National Office’s role is to coordinate and promote the national interests of the organisation, making representations to Parliamentarians, Government, various Government Departments, and to other bodies.
Throughout Australia, the RSL provides a broad range of programs and services to support current and former ADF members and their families.
Established: 1916
Members: 149,000+
Branches: 7 State and Territory Branches. 1095 Sub-Branches
Patron: His Majesty King Charles III
National President: Greg Melick, AO RFD FANZCN SC (Retd)
OUR VISION
Together, with our members, our vision is to help Australia’s Veterans and Defence families enjoy better opportunities in all aspects of their lives.
Our Values
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Care
RSL cares for the welfare and interests of veterans. We provide a support network and community for veterans and their families. You can find RSL sub-branches in most Australian communities. They play an integral role in connecting veterans to services, developing social networks, enhancing support services and providing practical support.
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Advocacy
It is the role of RSL Australia to advocate on important issues to serving and former serving ADF members and their families. We defend veterans’ rights and benefits and fight to ensure the government puts the needs of those who have served their country first.
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Commemoration
The RSL has led the nation in commemorative services since 1916. We work within communities to share the stories and history of those who have served. We commemorate, pay respect and keep the ANZAC spirit alive.
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Camaraderie
RSL branches provide regular opportunities for the veteran community to connect and rekindle their bonds of service and mateship.
RSL Federated Governance Structure
RSL Australia is a federation of its independent State Branches, which in turn are comprised by their Districts and Sub-branches, representing more than 149,000 members.
RSL State Branches and their Sub-Branches deliver a diverse range of services which are tailored to reflect the priorities and needs of veterans in each State.
The RSL’s National Office shapes the national agenda on veterans affairs on behalf of the RSL’s State Branches. It provides national advocacy on behalf of current and former serving men, women and their families. It supports and coordinates national programs and activities. It owns and manages the RSL brand.
RSL Australia is overseen by a National Board comprising representatives of each State Branch supported by independent Board members.
RSL National PResident
The National President of the Returned & Services League is Greg Melick, AO RFD FANZCN SC
RSL National Board
RSL Australia is overseen by a National Board comprising representatives of each State Branch supported by independent Board members.
RSL National Office
Situated in Canberra, the RSL national office coordinates the national interests of the organisation.
A Brief History of the League
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) was formed in 1916 in response to the lack of a unified approach to the organisation of repatriation facilities and medical services for those returning from the Great War (World War I).
On the 6th of June 1916, a meeting held in Melbourne became the genesis of the Returned & Services League of Australia as we know it today. The meeting was attended by delegates from Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Queensland who agreed to name the organisation The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). Although Tasmanian Delegates could not attend as they were unable to afford the expense of travelling to Melbourne, Tasmania did join Victoria, South Australia and Queensland as the Founding members of the League. New South Wales and Western Australia joined the League in 1917, and the ACT in 1927.
Prior to the League’s establishment, Returned Service Associations had formed in various states and were lobbying for privileges for returned men in their respective States. The lack of repatriation facilities had distressed returned soldiers who were in need of aid so the Associations formed to help returned servicemen obtain benefits.
The founding members of the League set out to lobby for better benefits, treatment and the welfare of veterans and serving members of the Defence Force and to preserve the health, wellbeing and security of Australia and the Australian way of life.
Since its formation, RSL Australia has evolved into the nation’s largest Ex-Service Organisation. An ethos of mateship, compassion and service remains the motivating influence of the League. Our core mission has never changed and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each generation of servicemen and women.