RSL Welcomes Government’s Response to Royal Commission REport
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) 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.
Greg Melick said the decision to establish a new independent statutory entity to oversee enduring and systemic reform had been long called for by the RSL.
“We have advocated that the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations can best be achieved by setting up an independent and enduring entity. This will now be established,” he said.
“On behalf of veterans and Australian Defence Force personnel and their families, we also welcome the Government’s commitment to provide additional funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to boost veteran services and to continue consultation on the development of a national ex-service organisation peak body.”
Greg Melick also again thanked the Royal Commissioners who had worked tirelessly over three years to hear from the hundreds of individuals who bravely shared their personal stories, as well as reading thousands of submissions about their lived experiences.
“The RSL is indebted to every individual who shared their story and stands ready to work with the Government to play its part in bringing about meaningful change,” he said.
“Just a little over one week ago, we launched an independent scoping study of the impact on veterans of ADF operations since 2002 particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“This Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Study represents an initial initiative from the RSL in our aim to bring real and lasting improvements in the services and support provided for veterans and their families, and will link into the measures announced by the Government today.
“The Royal Commission shone a light on veteran welfare matters in far more detail than ever before. Past and present ADF personnel have done and do all we ever ask of them, and too many have paid a very high price, including making the ultimate sacrifice. Australia owes them a debt which must now be paid.
“Today’s positive response from the Government represents a crucial and first step in repaying that debt and the RSL calls on the Government to make appropriate provisions in the forthcoming 2024-25 Budget, and over the longer-term to ensure appropriate funding is provided for the full delivery of the Royal Commission’s recommendations,” Greg Melick said.
If you or someone you know needs support or are feeling distressed, please reach out to:
Open Arms – 24-hour veteran and families counselling: 1800 011 046
Defence Member and Family Helpline – 24-hour emergency and crisis support: 1800 624 608
Lifeline Australia – 24-hour crisis support: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 24-hour counselling service: 1300 224 636
