Latest News
Support for Veteran Compensation Entitlements Legislation Welcomed
The RSL welcomes the passing of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 to simplify veteran compensation and entitlements. This is a massive step forward in supporting our veterans and their families. The new legislation consolidates complex processes, making it easier to access vital support.
Job Vacancy: Executive Secretariat Officer
RSL Australia is seeking an experienced Executive Secretariat Officer to join our team in the national office in Canberra.
Applicants must have a minimum of 4 years of administrative experience, proven excellence in verbal and written communication, great attention to detail and be a highly collaborative and inclusive team player.
All Sides of Politics Must Join to Pass Veteran Compensation and Entitlements Legislation
RSL Australia has reiterated its call for all sides of Federal Parliament to pass new laws governing veterans' compensation and entitlements without further delay. RSL Australia President Greg Melick said “The mental health and wellbeing of our veterans continues to be put at risk while the current complex and confusing compensation framework remains in effect, and we cannot afford for this critical piece of legislation not to be passed in this term of Parliament. We urge the Government, Opposition and crossbench to prioritise the passing of this bill before Parliament rises for the election.”
Declining Patriotism Putting Australia’s Defence At Risk
A declining sense of patriotism in Australia is putting the defence of the nation at risk. A paper prepared by the RSL Defence and National Security Committee contends that a reduction in national pride has impacted on Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruitment and service retention in our armed forces.
Imperative that Veterans’ Legislation is Passed before Parliament Rises for Election
The RSL has called on the national parliament to put veterans and their families before politics by passing veterans’ entitlement legislation before the current session concludes for the Federal Election. The Bill was not passed prior to the Christmas break and is currently before the Senate.
Budget must provide funding for ongoing veteran welfare and balanced Defence Force.
The RSL says the 2025-26 Federal Budget must provide funding for the continued implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, as well as resources to ensure a balanced Australian Defence Force (ADF).
In its submission to the Government, the RSL advocates for necessary budgetary provisions in five priority areas.
2025 Australia Day Achievement Medallions
RSL Australia congratulates the 2025 recipients of the Australia Day Achievement Medallions and sincerely thanks them for the exceptional work that they do. This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond, providing loyal and dedicated service to their communities.
2024 – A year in review
The past year has been one of significant activity and endeavour for RSL Australia. Throughout 2024, the RSL National Office has been heavily involved in promoting veterans’ affairs, advocating for benefits and veteran’s wellbeing, and coordinating programs and initiatives to provide opportunities for veterans and their families.
ESORT Communique - 3 December 2024
RSL Australia attended the ESORT (Ex-Service Organisation Round Table) meeting on Tuesday, 3 December 2024. Here is the communique provided by DVA summarising the meeting.
RSL Calls for Government Action to Gain Return of Remains of Australian Victoria Cross Hero
The Returned & Services League of Australia has called on the Government to work with Russian authorities to enable the return of the remains of Australian Victoria Cross war hero, Sergeant Samuel Pearse VC MM.
RSL Welcomes Government’s Response to Royal Commission REport
RSL Australia 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.
Critical New Study to Focus on Needs of Middle East Veterans and Families
RSL Australia has launched a major initiative to research the impacts on veterans and their families as a result of Australian Defence Force (ADF) service since 2002, particularly in conflicts in the Middle East. The ground-breaking project aims to identify and better understand the needs and concerns of contemporary veterans and their families and ensure that they are provided with the support and services they deserve.
RSL Commends Awarding of Victoria Cross
The RSL has commended the awarding of a Victoria Cross to late Private Richard Norden for his gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968.
RSLA National President Greg Melick said the approval by His Majesty King Charles III to bestow this highest military honour on Private Norden, announced on Remembrance Day, provided a further reminder of the great service and sacrifice of Australian Defence personnel.
RSL calls on Australians to honour those who have died in Military Service this Remembrance Day.
RSL Australia has called on Australians to pause next Monday (11 November 2024) to remember all those who have died in the nation’s military service. RSL Australia President Greg Melick has asked all Australians to unite and ‘remember to remember’ by observing a minute’s silence at 11am next Monday, Remembrance Day, to honour those who have bravely served our country with many continuing to serve our country today.
Australia Must Encourage Development of Local Major Defence Industry
The RSL says Australia must urgently encourage the development of a locally based major defence industry. In a paper prepared for its Defence and National Security Committee, titled Building a Sustainable Sovereign Industrial Defence Capability, the RSL is calling on successive Commonwealth Governments to have greater ambition for the Australian Defence industry.
US National Debt and Australia’s National Security
Written by: Peter Leahy and John Powers - Members of the RSL Defence and National Security Committee
The United States is on the verge of a debt crisis that will have severe implications on Australia’s national security and our ability to defend ourselves.
As a nation, Australia should be gravely concerned about this crisis, especially considering AUKUS, which tethers us even closer to the US economy.
RSL NSW Branch Matters
MEDIA STATEMENT: RSL Australia is aware of issues raised in the Australian Senate by Senator Jacqui Lambie regarding RSL New South Wales State Board.
RSL Australia expresses sincere condolences at passing of Vietnam Veteran John Bryant
The RSL passes on its sympathy to John’s wife Nhu, his family, friends and his veteran colleagues,” RSL Australia President Greg Melick said. Following on from his service in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 and the ending of the war, Gippsland Victoria-based John made a number of visits to the country and was instrumental in locating the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers killed in the battle of Fire Support Base Balmoral in May 1968.
RSL Offers Support and Expertise to Prime Minister in Developing Royal Commission Response
RSL National President Greg Melick has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese advising that as the nation’s largest ex-service organisation, the RSL stands ready to leverage its considerable skills, expertise and lived experience to help the Government develop and deliver a comprehensive response to the Royal Commission’s final report. The RSL has also highlighted seven recommendations in particular that we would like to see implemented quickly as they will have a significant positive impact on current and former serving members and their families.
Once in a Lifetime opportunity - Anzac Day 2025
In 2025, Australia will commemorate a major milestone, the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day – and coinciding with this, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has advised that applications are open for veterans and families to volunteer with the department in the delivery of these Anzac Day services in France and Türkiye in 2025.
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