In 2025, RSL Australia’s National Office continued to champion the interests of veterans, serving members, and their families through impactful national advocacy, meaningful initiatives, and national commentary on issues affecting the defence community.  

RSL Australia has called for courageous leadership and establishment of an independent review of the failures that resulted in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM said Australia needed to know how the failures occurred and what needed to change to ensure such events never happened again.

The RSL Australia has called for courageous leadership and supports the establishment of a Royal Commission to independently review the failures that resulted in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM said Australia needed to know how the failures occurred and what needed to change to ensure such events never happened again.

The Returned & Services League of Australia utterly condemns the cowardly terrorist attack on Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach and extends its profound condolences to those killed and injured, their families, and the entire Jewish community.

There will be a reunion held in Wodonga (Victoria) from the 14th until the 19th of October 2026  (5 days)

This reunion is for people who served with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Australian Logistic Support Group (Vietnam), and friends.

On 2 December, in an update, the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Hon Matt Keogh MP announced that recommendations of the Royal Commission which relate to sexual violence and safety are being implemented by Defence as a priority

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hon Matt Keogh MP on the accreditation of veteran compensation claims’ advocates and reiterated its strong support for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) crackdown on the unethical practices of some fee-charging advocates.

The RSL says it is disappointed at comments from the Prime Minister, pressuring Tasmania’s Legislative Council to pass legislation facilitating the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium. The current proposed design for a roofed stadium would adversely impact on the sanctity and heritage of the Hobart Cenotaph.

Australia’s largest veteran organisation has strongly supported the stand of its State Branch on Hobart’s proposed Macquarie Point Stadium, saying the project must respect the sacrifice of Tasmania’s veterans and war dead. The RSL says the current proposed design for a roofed stadium would adversely impact on the sanctity and heritage of the Hobart Cenotaph.

Greg Ross of The Last Post Podcast interviewed Peter Tinley about his new role as RSL President and his vision for the League. The following is an excerpt from the interview and includes a link to listen to the podcast.

Writing a Will is an important step for individuals through many stages of life, so if this is right for you, take advantage of the opportunity to write your Will for free with our partner Safewill.

From 24 November until the 1st of December 2025, Safewill is offering all RSL Australia supporters the opportunity to write a bespoke Will for free.

The RSL has received the final report of its specially commissioned Scoping Study on the impacts on veterans and their families as a result of service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) since 2002, particularly in conflicts in the Middle East. The Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study, launched exactly one year ago, was funded by the RSL to identify and better understand the needs and concerns of contemporary veterans and their families and to ensure that they are provided with the support and services they require and deserve.

The RSL says it welcomes the action of Australia’s national broadcaster to correct ‘false depictions’ in a story it ran in September 2022 on a special forces mission in Afghanistan.

A story on the ABC’s 7.30 program included added gunshots to footage used in a war crimes story and speculated Australian troops had broken the rules of war.

The RSL says the address given to Tuesday’s national Remembrance Day commemoration by the League’s former National President, Greg Melick provides a timely reminder of the current instability in our region.

RSL National President, Peter Tinley AM, has a vision for the RSL. Read more about his three key priorities: establishing veterans' issues as national security priorities, bridging the generational divide for contemporary veterans, and building a stronger national advocacy capability.

National President of the RSL, Peter Tinley AM has been appointed to the Australian War Memorial Council for a three-year term. The appointment was announced by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Hon Matt Keogh MP and follows the retirement from the Council of former RSL National President Greg Melick AO.

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.

In his first Remembrance Day message as RSL Australia President, Peter Tinley has asked all Australians to unite and ‘remember to remember’ by observing a minute’s silence at 11am on Remembrance Day, to honour the fallen and also those who have bravely served our country with many continuing to serve today. 

The Returned & Services League of Australia has called for all States and Territories to increase penalties for people who intentionally or recklessly damage the nation’s war memorials.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed United States’ President Trump’s confirmation of the AUKUS defence agreement and that Australia’s promised nuclear submarines will be delivered.