The RSL is concerned about this recent development from Defence to remove awards from commanders. Whilst the RSL believes that there must be command accountability for any wrongdoings on their watch the facts of allegations of wrongdoing in Afghanistan are untested and the truth not yet established by a court. It is expected that the legal processes underway at the moment may do that. The RSL believes that until those processes are complete no further action against commanders, or anyone else, should be taken.

The Federal Budget, handed down by Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP on May 9 contained a number of important support measures for Australia’s veterans and their families, but much still remains to be done to improve the lives of those who have served our nation. 

The Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) is the main body for consultation between ex-service organisations and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). ESORT aims to address issues of strategic importance to the ex-service and defence communities and assist in setting directions for the medium to long term. Read the summary of the meeting on 9 May.

A recently launched Defence and Veteran Carers Network is providing valuable support, resources, and an advocacy platform for this unique group of carers. The web hub has been established by Carers of Australia with funding from the Department of Defence in recognition of the vital role carers play in supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans and their families who provide unpaid care.

The 2023-24 Federal Budget has been released, and we welcome the more than $328 million in funding for veterans and their families through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. While it is encouraging to see this commitment of funding for DVA, we remain committed to our pre-budget calls for the establishment of an implementation body to oversee the recommendations of the Royal Commission. We will continue to advocate to the Federal Government to ensure this remains a priority.

The RSL has congratulated His Majesty King Charles III on his Coronation in London’s Westminster Abbey. RSL has had a long association with the Monarchy, and this would continue under His Majesty King Charles III.

The Lest We Forget Anzac Day Tribute Concert held in Sydney on Anzac Day in the Town Hall was a great success and raised almost $5,000 for RSL LifeCare Veteran Services. This very special commemoration featured over one hundred of Australia’s best military, veteran and civilian artists all coming together to honour the Fallen.

The RSL says the Government must prioritise supporting and increasing both frontline and supporting Defence personnel, in line with the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR). Investing in the recruitment and the retention of our Defence Force personnel was one of the stated six key pillars of the Review and the other five will fail if this pillar is not achieved.

Next week’s Federal Budget must include initiatives that improve the lives of the nation’s veterans and their families, and funding to address inequities and barriers that continue to be experienced by the veteran community. It is important that it provides the funding to fully implement the recommendations of the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The RSL has welcomed the release of the Defence Strategic Review and the Government’s apparent commitment to increase the investment in Australia’s military capacity. However, the enhanced capabilities must be as a result of long overdue increased defence spending rather than creating an unbalanced Australian Defence Force (ADF) by ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’.

The Returned & Services League of Tasmania State Branch launched the Tasmanian Victoria Cross (VC) trail in Huonville in conjunction with the Huon Vally Mayor, Sally Doyle. A pilot trial in the Huon Valley, it recognises and commends the 4 VC recipients from the area.

RSL Australia encourages Australians to honour the nation’s veterans and service personnel on ANZAC Day this coming Tuesday. National President Greg Melick said it was heartening that the significance of ANZAC Day appeared to build with every generation and this year should see a reinforcement of that growth.

Congratulations to the 2023 winners of the RSL ANZAC of the Year Awards and the ANZAC Peace Prize! This year's Award recipients exemplify the Spirit of ANZAC in the community through their dedication and commitment to the benefit of others. They are exemplars of community service and an inspiration to all Australians.

This very special commemoration will feature over one hundred of Australia’s best military, veteran and civilian artists all coming together to honour the Fallen at the Sydney Town Hall on ANZAC Day. Tickets are free but registration is essential.

The Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT) is the main body for consultation between ex-service organisations and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). ESORT aims to address issues of strategic importance to the ex-service and defence communities and assist in setting directions for the medium to long term. ESORT’s last meeting was held in March 2023.

Written by the Department of Defence - 4 April 2023

The Interim Report by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, released in August 2022, called for the improvement of access to information held by DVA. Together with the Department of Defence, we have since implemented a number of initiatives that ensure veterans and families are better supported when they seek access to information.

The Prime Minister’s speech to Parliament paid tribute to the 60,000 Australians who served in the conflict. More than 3000 Australians were wounded, and tragically 525 were killed. Marking the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the War, the Prime Minister launched a commemorative medallion and certificate available to every veteran of the conflict.

Each year RSL creates special limited edition ANZAC biscuit tins with unique designs that are made available in several of the major supermarkets. This year there are five different tin designs to collect. Different designs are exclusive to different supermarkets, so here’s the scoop on where you can find them.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSLA) has called on the Federal Government to harmonise the funeral benefits payable to service veterans to remove the existing disparity. Currently, the benefits paid range from just $2000 to $12,600, and the RSL says bringing the payments together is one of the simpler legislative changes the Government could make and could be achieved relatively quickly.

Three notable ex-service organisations, including RSL Australia, are calling for non-liability health care (NLHC) for all Defence Reservists. The group which includes the Defence Reserves Association, and the Defence Force Welfare Association, have made a joint submission to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, seeking his support for the extension of health care to all those serving in the reserve forces.