RSL Victoria statement on Royal Commission update
Members will be aware that last week (Thursday 4 September) Federal Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh provided an update on the Federal Government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
RSL Victoria closely monitored the announcement and while progress has been made, many recommendations remain outstanding.
Until these are addressed, gaps in support for veterans and their families will continue.
Based on our experience working day-to-day with Victorian veterans, RSL Victoria considers the following recommendations as having the greatest impact if fast-tracked:
- Recommendation 81: DVA to fund a program supporting wellbeing during transition to civilian life
- Recommendation 87: Establish a new agency for veteran wellbeing
- Recommendation 88: Develop a national funding agreement on veterans’ wellbeing
- Recommendation 99: Fund professional, paid advocates
- Recommendation 90a Removal of service differential (not supported by Government)
The $44.5 million allocated over four years to establish the Defence and Veterans Service Commission (Recommendation 122) is a positive step towards these priorities.
Additionally, both RSL Victoria State Branch and Sub-Branch representatives participated in the co-design process of the new agency for veteran wellbeing (Recommendation 87) scheduled to commence mid-2026.
This will support implementation of the other three related recommendations supported by Government.
We support the Minister’s focus on brain injury research, a Women’s Veterans Strategy, and reforms addressing sexual misconduct. We hope the focus on the latter two areas will lead to a reassessment of support for recommendation 90a, which would provide fair compensation in cases of military sexual violence during peacetime service.
We will also remain engaged in discussions around a proposed peak body for ex-service organisations.
It is now up to government to provide detail and deliver.
Words are welcome, but outcomes matter more.
Veterans and their families need to see progress on implementation without further delay.
RSL Victoria, alongside our colleagues nationally, will continue to monitor developments and hold government to their commitments until all recommendations are implemented.
The full statement from RSL Australia can be found HERE.
The watch the full statement from Minister Matt Keogh and response from Shadow Minister Darren Chester (from 19:45), please click HERE.
