RSL Welcomes Election Funding Promise

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the increased funding for veterans promised by the Labor Party as part of its Federal Election package released on Sunday.

RSL Australia President Greg Melick said the funding commitment of $519.4 million aimed at reducing waiting times for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims and a range of other measures, would assist in redressing many of the difficulties now confronting veterans and their families.

Greg Melick said the RSL appreciated the bipartisan approach to many veteran and Defence issues and the Labor plan was a significant step in the right direction.

“We look forward to working with the next Australian Government to ensure sufficient funding is provided to meet the pressing and growing demand for services to support veterans and their families,” he said.

“The provision of resources and funding to support veterans and the families of those who have served our country is a paramount government responsibility and the reality is that the demand for these services has risen dramatically in recent years.

“While the Labor plan is a positive step, the RSL maintains that funding to support veterans, their families and programs run by ex-service organisations is a national priority and should be demand driven by the need for these services.

“It should not have to rely on one-off election promises every three years, but sufficient funds must be provided on an ongoing basis.

“Funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs must be allocated to meet this rising demand and the extra funding announced by Labor is a welcomed move.” 

Greg Melick said the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was providing a stark example of the clear need for additional funds to support veterans and their families.