The past year has been one of significant activity and endeavour for RSL Australia.  Throughout 2024, the RSL National Office has been heavily involved in promoting veterans’ affairs, advocating for benefits and veteran’s wellbeing, and coordinating programs and initiatives to provide opportunities for veterans and their families.  

RSL Australia attended the ESORT (Ex-Service Organisation Round Table) meeting on Tuesday, 3 December 2024. Here is the communique provided by DVA summarising the meeting.

The Returned & Services League of Australia has called on the Government to work with Russian authorities to enable the return of the remains of Australian Victoria Cross war hero, Sergeant Samuel Pearse VC MM.

RSL Australia has welcomed the Australia Government’s positive response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. RSL Australia National President Greg Melick said the Government’s prompt and comprehensive response should commence the national effort to improve the health and wellbeing of veterans, current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families.

RSL Australia has launched a major initiative to research the impacts on veterans and their families as a result of Australian Defence Force (ADF) service since 2002, particularly in conflicts in the Middle East. The ground-breaking project aims to identify and better understand the needs and concerns of contemporary veterans and their families and ensure that they are provided with the support and services they deserve.

The RSL has commended the awarding of a Victoria Cross to late Private Richard Norden for his gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968. 

RSLA National President Greg Melick said the approval by His Majesty King Charles III to bestow this highest military honour on Private Norden, announced on Remembrance Day, provided a further reminder of the great service and sacrifice of Australian Defence personnel. 

RSL Australia has called on Australians to pause next Monday (11 November 2024) to remember all those who have died in the nation’s military service. RSL Australia President Greg Melick has asked all Australians to unite and ‘remember to remember’ by observing a minute’s silence at 11am next Monday, Remembrance Day, to honour those who have bravely served our country with many continuing to serve our country today. 

The RSL says Australia must urgently encourage the development of a locally based major defence industry. In a paper prepared for its Defence and National Security Committee, titled Building a Sustainable Sovereign Industrial Defence Capability, the RSL is calling on successive Commonwealth Governments to have greater ambition for the Australian Defence industry.

Written by: Peter Leahy and John Powers - Members of the RSL Defence and National Security Committee

The United States is on the verge of a debt crisis that will have severe implications on Australia’s national security and our ability to defend ourselves. 

As a nation, Australia should be gravely concerned about this crisis, especially considering AUKUS, which tethers us even closer to the US economy. 

MEDIA STATEMENT: RSL Australia is aware of issues raised in the Australian Senate by Senator Jacqui Lambie regarding RSL New South Wales State Board.

The RSL passes on its sympathy to John’s wife Nhu, his family, friends and his veteran colleagues,” RSL Australia President Greg Melick said. Following on from his service in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 and the ending of the war, Gippsland Victoria-based John made a number of visits to the country and was instrumental in locating the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers killed in the battle of Fire Support Base Balmoral in May 1968.

RSL National President Greg Melick has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese advising that as the nation’s largest ex-service organisation, the RSL stands ready to leverage its considerable skills, expertise and lived experience to help the Government develop and deliver a comprehensive response to the Royal Commission’s final report. The RSL has also highlighted seven recommendations in particular that we would like to see implemented quickly as they will have a significant positive impact on current and former serving members and their families.

In 2025, Australia will commemorate a major milestone, the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day – and coinciding with this, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has advised that applications are open for veterans and families to volunteer with the department in the delivery of these Anzac Day services in France and Türkiye in 2025.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has expressed its deep concern at today’s announcement by Defence Minister Richard Marles that the medals awarded to senior Australian officers serving in the Afghanistan campaign will be revoked.  

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is urging the Australian Government to take comprehensive and sustainable action to implement the recommendations outlined in the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. 

RSL Australia attended the ESORT (Ex-Service Organisation Round Table) meeting on 27 August 2024. Here is the communique provided by DVA summarising the meeting.

The Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program offers descendants of former Australian POWs a path towards healing and understanding. The Japanese Government have generously offered two places for descendants of POW's on the next Grassroots Program, tentatively scheduled for February/March 2025.

The RSL is continuing to monitor forest fires burning on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye.  The fires broke out earlier this week following high humidity and extreme temperatures in the region.  The historic Gallipoli Peninsula is a sacred site for Australia, New Zealand and Türkiye following the 1915 landing of Australian and New Zealand troops that gave rise to the ANZAC legend. 

The RSL is monitoring possible damage to Australian graves in the Gaza War Cemetery.  The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and comprises graves of Australian and other Commonwealth servicemen killed in the First and Second World Wars.  

Leading Defence experts have questioned Australia’s preparedness to fulfil our international treaty obligations and the ability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to meet current and potential future missions. In an extensive commentary, former Army Chief, retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy and John Powers, a retired senior United States Special Forces and Intelligence Officer, submit that the ADF is stretched too thin, not fit for immediate combat and is unlikely to be in better shape for some time.