RSL Reiterates Call for Full Implementation of Royal Commission Recommendations
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has reiterated its call for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and says the current election provides the opportunity for all parties to commit to this.
RSL National President Greg Melick said this national tragedy of suicide in the Defence and veteran community demanded urgent action and implementing all Royal Commission recommendations was one of the RSL’s five key election asks.
“The Royal Commission revealed the tragic and unacceptable loss of more than 1,677 Defence personnel and veterans to suicide between 1997-2021,” Greg Melick said.
“The next Government must act decisively to address this crisis and support those who have served. The first step must be to fully commit to implementing all 122 recommendations of the Royal Commission to ensure real, lasting change for our veterans and their families.
“The RSL is pleased with the Albanese Government’s constructive response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations and recognises the significant progress already made. With the Royal Commission’s Final Report, Australia now has a comprehensive, evidence-based blueprint for delivering meaningful and sustainable reforms that will enhance the health and wellbeing of our serving ADF members, veterans, and their families."
Greg Melick says the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission (DVSC) is a step forward, but its lack of true independence from the Defence portfolio is a concern. The incoming Government must consult with the veteran community to guarantee that the DVSC is genuinely focused on veterans’ needs.
“The creation of a dedicated agency for veteran wellbeing within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is a crucial step, but the Government must ensure this agency has the resources and mandate to deliver real, impactful support for veterans and their families.
“As well, substantial funding is required to modernise DVA's outdated IT systems and improve communication between DVA, the ADF and other Government agencies.”
Other policy initiatives that must be prioritised include enhanced transition support for veterans leaving the Australian Defence Force (ADF), ongoing funding for veteran housing, and sustained and recurrent funding for new and existing Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs.
Greg Melick said the new Government must act swiftly to establish a national peak body for ex-service organisations (ESOs), so that the ESO sector can effectively advocate for veterans’ needs and strengthen their voices in government.
“We ask all parties and candidates to seize the momentum created by the landmark Royal Commission, address this crisis and support those who have served our nation by driving cultural and systemic reform across the Defence and veteran ecosystem,” he said.
Looking ahead, the RSL emphasises that the ongoing commitment from all sectors of society, including all sides of politics, is essential to successfully implementing the Royal Commission’s vision.
“Independent oversight will play a crucial role in ensuring that these reforms continue to make a tangible and lasting impact, holding Government and its agencies accountable to ensure the effective, timely, and sustained delivery of these vital changes,” Greg Melick said.
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.
