The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) yesterday approved a change to the RSL Badge to incorporate the Tudor Crown adopted by the League’s Patron, King Charles III.

The updating of the Badge was endorsed by the RSL’s National Board and approved by members at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has extended its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Australian Defence Force soldier fatally injured in a training incident west of Townsville, Queensland, yesterday.

The RSL today announces Peter Tinley, a distinguished Former Special Forces Officer, has been elected as the new National President.  The retired Special Air Services Regiment Major and former Western Australian Government Minister was formally elected today by the RSL’s State Branches prior to the RSL Australia Annual General Meeting. 

The RSL National President, Major General (Ret.) Greg Melick retires tomorrow (Thursday, 16 October) after a six-and-a-half-year term in office. Greg Melick assumed the National Presidency in May 2019 and, with the National Board and management team, transformed RSL Australia into a modern, influential voice for the veteran community.

RSL thanks Greg Melick for serving a six-and-a-half-year-term as RSL Australia’s National President. Greg Melick’s Presidency has been marked by restored trust, modernised advocacy, and strengthened veteran services. Greg Melick will stand down as President at the conclusion of RSL Australia’s annual general meeting on 16 October 2025.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) urges the RSL NSW Board to promptly resolve conflicts within RSL New South Wales, and with its Sub-Branches and associated entities. RSL National stands ready to provide any assistance that may help bring about a resolution of the current issues in the best interests of the veteran community.

RSL Australia attended the ESORT (Ex-Service Organisation Round Table) meeting on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. Here is the communique provided by DVA summarising the meeting.

For many who take part in the Long Ride, it’s about more than just motorcycles. It’s about community, challenge, and a shared mission: raising awareness for prostate cancer and Men’s health across Australia. Among this year’s riders are two generations of Dave’s, who originated from the opposite side of the world to join the journey to Esperance, WA.

Today, members of the public, media representatives, and officials gathered at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to commemorate the service of Australia's war correspondents. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the War Correspondents memorial's dedication and was a tribute to all journalists, photographers, artists, camera and sound operators, and other media who have covered the nation’s involvement in wars and conflicts and to those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of truth. 

The RSL has welcomed the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA) streamlining its claims processing system aimed in part at curbing unscrupulous practices by some private providers. The RSL has been consulted and the changes being implement by DVA to modernise its processes should assist in combatting these practices.

Today, RSL Australia and Legacy Australia signed a historic memorandum of understanding, creating a closer working partnership between two of the nation’s largest veteran organisations to coordinate and work more collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes for veterans and their families.

The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) Conference 2025 (28 June - 3 July 2025), hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion in Ottawa, was a pivotal gathering for delegates from over 30 countries. As a long-standing member organisation, the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) was actively involved, with RSL National President Greg Melick AO RFD FANZCN KC attending as a delegate to represent the RSL's interests.

The Australian journalists, photographers, camera and sound operators, and other media who have covered the nation’s involvement in wars and conflicts will be remembered at a service at the War Correspondents Memorial at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra on Monday, 22 September 2025. Media and members of the public are invited to attend

RSL Australia National President Greg Melick said today’s statement to parliament by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh MP, indicated the work already undertaken but also showed that much remained to be done to implement all 122 recommendations of the Royal Commission to enhance the wellbeing of all veterans, Defence personnel and their families.

On 27 August 2025, RSL volunteers arrived at Randwick Army Barracks in Sydney, ready to set to work packing around 400 care packages for Australian Defence Force Personnel serving overseas. Channel 7 News’ Grace Fitzgibbon and her crew arrived to film behind the scenes for a special feature on The Bright Side. Thank you for featuring our work, 7NEWS!

This September marks one year since the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down its final report and the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has received assurances that the Government is making strong progress on the implementation of the recommendations.

The RSL is continuing to advocate for the implementation of all recommendations and is working closely with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) on key issue arising from the Royal Commission’s report.

The RSL is preparing for a change in leadership as RSL National President Greg Melick steps down after six and a half years of service in the leading veteran role. Three exceptional candidates have been nominated by their State Branches. 

In accordance with the RSL Constitution, the election will take place on the day of the RSL Australia General Meeting (AGM), Thursday 16 October, with each State Branch able to vote. The new President will take office for a three-year term following the conclusion of the meeting.  

Last month, at the invitation of Kwon Oheul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of South Korea, RSL National President Greg Melick visited Seoul to take part in the Seoul International Veterans Forum. The Forum brought together leaders of veterans’ associations from around the world to share perspectives on peace, security, and the challenges facing veterans today.

Regarding the wearing of bowling shirts featuring the words Lest We Forget and the Wagga RSL Club, importantly, RSL Australia has not issued any instruction or demand that would prevent RSL Wagga Bowls Club members from wearing the shirts as described. RSL Australia was first made aware of this matter via media reports and the RSL has not placed any restrictions on its use by the Wagga RSL Bowls Club.

The RSL says tomorrow’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day is the opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of those who served and sacrificed during Australia's 10-year involvement in the Vietnam War. Vietnam Veterans' Day is commemorated annually on 18 August.