Governance update from the State President

Following the State Executive Committee meeting yesterday, I am pleased to share some updates on recent appointments within the State Executive Committee.

I would also like to clarify the scope of State Executive members’ roles when engaging with Sub-Branches and the broader network to ensure alignment with their formal responsibilities and decision-making processes.

Appointments

The State Executive has resolved the following appointments to Branch Officer roles:

• Lynn Mizen has been appointed to the vacant position of State Vice President, leading Governance and Reform. In addition to her previous service on the State Executive and as a Sub-Branch President, Lynn brings valuable corporate experience and expertise in finance, governance and risk management to this role.
• Peter Swandale has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice President – Advocacy and Veterans Affairs. This role has been established to elevate the focus on veteran issues and strengthen the organisation’s advocacy efforts. While the position will initially operate within existing governance arrangements, it is intended to be formally incorporated into our rules in due course.

Lynn and Peter will join Des Callaghan, Timothy Holden and myself in the fulfilling the Branch Officer roles. Congratulations to both on their appointments.

Clarifying state executive member roles and responsibilities

As recognised by the Governance Review, strengthening our governance practices remains a key priority.

Accordingly, I would like to provide some important clarifications regarding the limitations of the authority of State Executive members in representing RSL Victoria at Sub-Branch and Regional meetings or events.

Membership of the State Executive does not confer any additional rights or authority in relation to Sub-Branch or Regional engagement or decision-making.

Unless a member is acting in an officially delegated capacity, any invitation to attend a Sub-Branch or Regional meeting is undertaken as an ordinary member.

Individual State Executive members (other than the State President) do not hold authority to represent RSL Victoria, liaise with Sub-Branches or external organisations, or attend RSL Victoria premises in any capacity other than as ordinary members unless State President has delegated the specific responsibility to that State Executive member.

Clarifying the roles, responsibilities and reporting lines of the State Executive is an important step to ensure transparency and consistency in how we work.

This builds on what was discussed at the 2025 State Annual Conference, and we’ll continue to keep Sub-Branches informed as things develop.

I’m looking forward to the upcoming regional visits and hope to meet as many members as possible as we develop our plans for the future of RSL Victoria.

Best wishes,

Dr Mark Schröffel – RSL Victoria State President