Investing in our Veterans and Defence: RSL’s Five Priority Crucial Election Requests
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has described the coming May election as crucial for Australia’s future and has listed the nation’s Defence preparedness and support for veterans and their families as key considerations for all politicians and parties.
The RSL has called for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and for a significant increase in investment in Australia’s defence capability lifting defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, with a view to achieving 3% of GDP within 12 months.
These are among five priority asks the RSL says must be addressed by the next Federal Government following the coming election.
The RSL is also seeking more training, resources and funding to support fee-free advocacy for veterans, and improved health care access for veterans and their families. As well, it is looking for sustained investment in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to properly service the sector and the immediate and ongoing added investment in the capability of, and recruitment and retention in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The RSL election requests have been provided to all major parties in the lead up to the election and RSL members are being encouraged to present them to local candidates.
RSL Australia National President Greg Melick said the capability of the ADF was a crucial issue and the RSL was seeking significantly increased funding to enhance Australia’s Defence capability, recruitment, and retention.
“The incoming Government must consider building a ‘balanced force’ rather than the prescribed ‘focused force’ strategy. With the promotion of larger, Australian-owned Defence companies, and a priority on recruitment into the ADF, this broader range of capabilities will stand Australia in good stead.
“While a picture is being painted of increased Defence expenditure, the most recent Budget funding is inadequate given the current strategic environment confronting Australia and the growing threats to our national security.
“In view of rising instability in our region and around the world, Defence spending must be increased from the projected 2.15% of GDP to 2.5%, with a view to achieving a level of at least 3% of GDP within 12 months. NATO and many other Allied nations are already moving to spends greater than 2.5% of GDP.
“A capable, effective Defence Force depends on the health and morale of the personnel who make it strong. To ensure Defence is prepared for the complexities of future conflict, the focus must be on ensuring the overall health and wellbeing of our servicemen and women at every stage of their military lifecycle.”
Greg Melick said that after service, veterans and their families continue to make an extremely valuable contribution to society.
“We call on our politicians to remember the needs of veterans, and this means adequately funding the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), including significantly enhancing its IT resources, and a long-term commitment to implementing all 122 recommendations in the Final Report handed down by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide late last year.
“The RSL asks the incoming government to build upon the foundation laid by the outgoing government and work of the Royal Commission to address the devastating issue of veteran suicide. We stand ready to work with government to drive real, long-lasting, meaningful change that delivers improved health and wellbeing outcomes for current and former serving ADF members, and their families.
“The recommendations provide an evidence-based blueprint to deliver real, meaningful and long-lasting reforms to drive improved health and wellbeing outcomes for serving ADF members, veterans, and their families.”
Greg Melick said several recommendations should be implemented immediately including the establishment of a new agency within DVA dedicated to veteran wellbeing, an appropriately funded and resourced peak body for ex-service organisations providing an independent and enduring oversight entity, and sustained funding for existing Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs and for the establishment of new Hubs.
"RSL Australia is the largest ex-service organisation providing fee-free advocacy services. Support with DVA claims is one of the most highly accessed services the RSL offers. Our national advocacy system is under pressure. We need improved training for advocates, regulations to ensure a consistent, ethical and fair service for veterans, and more funding for ESOs to fund salaries for new advocates.”
"Veterans and their families are being denied timely access to essential healthcare. The incoming Government must urgently address this. Our veterans have made unique sacrifices in service of our nation and deserve timely access to comprehensive healthcare without unnecessary barriers."
“An appropriately funded and resourced DVA is vital. Preventing the return of a claims backlog must remain of paramount priority for any government committed to the wellbeing of our veterans. DVA must strengthen its performance targets, reduce claims processing times further, and improve transparency, as recommended by the Royal Commission, to better serve our veterans.
The RSL is Australia’s largest ex-service organisation, with more than 149,000 members in all States and Territories, supporting veterans and their families to enjoy better opportunities in all aspects of their lives.
“It is in the best interest of all Australians to support our veterans and the ADF, and the RSL is asking those campaigning to form the next Government to commit to provide the services and support our veterans, Defence personnel and their families need and deserve,” Greg Melick said.
ENDS
2025 Federal Election Asks
Investing in our veterans - RSL’s Five Priority requests to candidates
As Australians prepare to go to the polls on 3 May 2025, the RSL is calling on all candidates and parties to demonstrate a shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of our veterans.
This document has been sent to political parties asking them to commit their support to these five key priority areas that will make a difference in the lives of our current and former serving ADF personnel and their families.
