The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSLA) is conducting extensive research, including inviting input from its national membership, non-member veterans, and interested parties to help shape its future direction and enable it to better serve veterans and their families.

The research is being undertaken independently by market research specialists The Insights Grill, who recently conducted similar research for RSL New South Wales. The data will help shape RSL Australia’s next strategic plan.

National President Greg Melick said the research project would help the organisation to better understand the current needs and priorities of both member and non-member veterans so RSLA can continue to meet the needs of today’s veterans well into the future.

It involves both qualitative and quantitative research in a three-phased approach.

The first phase is now underway and centres around a short survey accessed through the RSLA’s social media channels and website.

Following this, qualitative interviews will be conducted with 24 veterans across the country to understand a range of key issues and perceptions. The insights from this phase will help shape the main national survey, which is the project’s third phase.

This survey, to be launched in February next year, will comprise approximately 20 targeted questions and should only take about five minutes to complete. A report will be made publicly available shortly after.

Greg Melick said the insight gained from the research would help shape the RSL moving forward and ensure it continues to meet the needs of Australia’s service veterans and their families.

“We want to hear from the veteran community regarding what it thinks the RSL should focus on in 2023 and beyond,” he said.

“The mini survey that is now open is just the beginning of this major research project and will be used to find out initially what people believe the RSL should focus on and also to recruit participants for the interviews.

“We look forward to the feedback. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether they’ve served or never served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The responses are 100 per cent confidential, and to encourage participation in the initial survey, four winning participants will receive a $100 voucher valid at most major retailers.