2024 – A year in review

The past year has been one of significant activity and endeavour for RSL Australia. 

In 1916, RSL Australia was established to promote the interests and welfare of current and former serving Australian service personnel and their dependents. In 2024, our core mission remains the same, and our services and direction have evolved to meet the needs of today’s current and former servicemen and servicewomen.  

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.  

In 2024, RSL Australia received confirmation that His Majesty King Charles III had accepted the patronage of the Returned & Services League of Australia following on from the more than 70-year patronage of the League by the King’s mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

Following is a summary of the work the RSL National Office has undertaken this year.

National Advocacy, Policy and Representation  

The year began with the presentation of an extensive submission to the Federal Government to use its 2024-25 Budget to strengthen the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families by improving their access to healthcare and implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission. The RSL advocated for establishing a national body to oversee veteran wellbeing, establishing a Peak Body for ESOs, continuing to permanently reduce the DVA claims backlog, and include support for advocates and advocacy. We were pleased to see funding provided for several of the initiatives the RSL had been advocating for, and we will continue to press for funding for other important programs. The National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC), comprised of representatives from the RSL State Branches, has played a pivotal role in aligning RSL policy. 

Throughout the year, RSL advocated for an uplift in the DVA fee schedule for healthcare, made submissions on the New Aged Care Act and the Veteran’s Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and harmonisation) Bill 2024, and provided feedback as this legislative work progressed.  

Representations were made to Government on the broad range of veteran wellbeing issues including veteran housing and homelessness, and on military honours. 

The RSL continued to closely follow the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, attending all hearing blocks and calling for swift action in implementing the recommendations of the Interim and Final Reports.  RSL Australia is now working through the details of the Government’s response with State Branches to identify how we can inform and support the implementation of recommendations, including ensuring that the voices of veterans and families shape the reforms ahead of us. 

RSL spoke out against vandals who desecrated war memorials, calling for investigations and strong punishment for those convicted of such desecrations.   

Our advocacy work is extensive and ongoing.  

Defence and National Security  

The RSL Defence and National Security Committee has had an active year, producing a range of papers and submissions on topical issues such as Australia’s Defence Industry Capability, the impact of the United States budget deficit on US defence production and the consequential impact on Australia, the importance of the AUKUS submarine project and the need for an Australian National Security Strategy.  

The Defence and National Security Committee will advance its work in the coming years. 

National Initiatives  

In November, RSL Australia launched a major research initiative to identify and better understand the needs of contemporary veterans and their families. The first phase of the research project is the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Scoping Study. The scoping study will take place in 2025. It will inform and determine the matters to be investigated in greater detail in a much broader study that will follow the scoping study and recommend enhancements and national strategies to improve the range and level of services and support available to veterans and their families.  

RSL Active has gathered pace this year with an increased number of events and activities and more veterans joining our virtual Strava teams than ever before. RSL Australia proudly supported the 55th National Bowls Carnival, the Veteran Drone Racing Team, the Kirra Longboard Klassic, The Long Ride Australia, Wheels on Waves, the inaugural Veterans’ Boxing Challenge, and the RSL Remembrance Ride. Providing opportunities for the veteran community to connect and enhance support circles remains a priority for 2025. 

The RSL continued to support deployed personnel by providing care packages to provide a taste of home and show our appreciation for their service. The RSL sends best wishes to everyone who will soon receive their Christmas care packages and to their families who will be missing them at this time of year. To support the following packages that will be sent in time for Anzac Day, you can donate here. 

In June, the national-led RSL Veterans’ Employment Program (RVEP) closed to new registrations. The RVEP had proudly supported hundreds of veterans and Defence family members in their pursuit to find more meaningful work. Veteran employment services are still offered through RSL State Branches and Government programs. 

RSL continues its support of a number of scholarship programs and is committed to ensuring that this education continues.

RSL Australia is proud to continue the Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program. Designed for descendants of former Australian Prisoners of War (POWs), the program promotes post-war reconciliation, education, understanding and goodwill between Japan and Australia. We thank all who applied for this program in 2024 for the upcoming program in March 2025. 

Commemoration 

Remembrance and commemoration are core values of RSL Australia. In 2024, we marked a number of key commemorations, including the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste and the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  

We continue the long-held tradition of observing Anzac Day and Remembrance Day and welcome the increasing numbers of young Australians who join in these pivotal commemorations. We hope that wherever you were, you found a moment to reflect on the service and courage of our veterans and service personnel.  

Thank you to our volunteers  

Across the League, many activities happen because we have an active group of volunteers who are dedicated to their service to veterans, their families, and the wider RSL and its purpose. This is demonstrated through local advocacy services that support DVA claims, in support of commemoration events, and assisting crucial fundraising efforts. The League depends on the support of our volunteers, and we extend our sincere thanks to them. 

As the year comes to a close, RSL Australia extends its heartfelt thanks and season’s greetings to our members, volunteers, employees, and the wider veteran sector. 

Stay in touch with RSL Australia through 2025 through our website, by signing up for the President’s Newsletter or on Facebook, Instagram or Linked In