President’s Newsletter

RSL members, families and friends, I trust you had a restful break over the holiday season. As we embark on a new year, I'm focused on advancing our support for veterans. Let's make 2025 a year of significant progress.

2025 Australia Day Achievement Medallions

I want to congratulate all the deserving recipients on the Australia Day 2025 Honours list. The RSL has the privilege of nominating members of our community for Australia Day Achievement Medallions to acknowledge individuals for their contributions and exceptional work. You can read more about the loyal and dedicated service of this year’s recipients on our website.

RSL National Advocacy Work

2024 proved a landmark year for the veteran community with the conclusion of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the government’s overwhelming support for the findings of the Commission and accepting the majority of recommendations.  The Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 also progressed and remains before the Senate.

The 2025-26 Budget presents the Australian Government with an opportunity to build on 2024 and show an ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of veterans. RSL Australia has put forward a submission advocating for necessary budgetary provisions in five priority areas: 

1. Implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission, including the establishment of an appropriately funded and resourced peak body for ex-service organisations, dedicated wellbeing services and support, and the establishment of a well-thought-out statutory oversight entity.   
   

2. Improvements in advocacy training and development through the establishment of the Institute of Veterans’ Advocates.   
   

3. Improved access to healthcare for veterans and their families, including a review of the DVA fee schedule to meet the current costs of health services and greater awareness of trauma-informed care delivery.   
   

4. Sustained investment in the Department of Veterans Affairs to safeguard the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families into the future and a permanent funding line for Veterans’ Hubs.  
   

5. Increased funding for recruitment and equipment to ensure the expansion and maintenance of a balanced defence force capable of meeting current and future requirements.

MEAO Scoping Study

The Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) scoping study is well underway. The Scoping Study is the first phase of what is intended to be a major two-stage project to research the impacts on veterans and their families as a result of Australian Defence Force (ADF) service since 2002, particularly focusing on conflicts in the Middle East.  The Scoping Study will inform and determine the matters to be investigated in greater detail in a broader study of impacts, including mental and general health issues confronting the Australian veteran community.  You can visit our website to learn more about the project and follow our Facebook and LinkedIn channels for updates as the study progresses. The report is due to be published later this year.

Sincerely,
Greg Melick
RSL Australia National President

Upcoming Commemorations

10 February – HMAS Melbourne/HMAS Voyager Collision (1964)

14 February – National Serviceman Day

15 February – Fall of Singapore (1942)

16 February – Bangka Island massacre (1942)

19 February – First bombing of Darwin (1942)

20 February – Battle of Koepang in Dutch Timor (1942)

24 February – National Day for War Animals

28 February – Sinking of HMAS Perth in the Battle of Sunda Strait (1942)