Statement from RSL Victoria

Earlier today RSL Victoria took action to suspend the charter of the Kew RSL Sub-Branch due to ongoing failure to meet its charitable objectives as an RSL Sub-Branch, and failure to comply with regulatory obligations required of Sub-Branches.

The decision was made in accordance with the RSL Rules and By-laws, which uphold the requirements and integrity of the RSL in Victoria and to protect the broader reputation of the RSL.

The suspension will remain in place for 12 months, during which time RSL Victoria may carry out further investigations and the Sub-Branch will not be entitled to use the RSL brand for any of its activities.

There will be avenues for the Sub-Branch to have the suspension lifted after this time if it can satisfactorily demonstrate that the issues cited will be addressed.

Over the past two years RSL Victoria has provided repeated notices to the Sub-Branch informing them of its failure to meet its ongoing obligations.

The latest show cause notice, sent in May 2025, outlined a significant number of issues that the Sub-Branch Committee had failed to address.

These included:

• Not fulfilling the objects and purposes of the RSL in supporting veterans and their families
• Not having a duly elected committee in accordance with the RSL Rules and By-laws and the statutory obligations for incorporated associations
• Not abiding by the Rules and By-laws of the RSL in the conduct of a Sub-Branch.

A response received by RSL Victoria on 13 June 2025 failed to demonstrate that those concerns were being adequately addressed. Subsequently RSL Victoria has suspended the charter of the Sub-Branch in accordance with the RSL Rules.

“RSL Victoria has reluctantly taken these steps,” said RSL Victoria State President Des Callaghan “At a time when veterans and their families absolutely need our support it is important that the efforts of the RSL are directed to that support.”

“It is also important to ensure that the Victorian community is able to have trust that the RSL is fulfilling its purpose and meeting its obligations as a leading charity.”

“To hold an RSL charter is an honour and privilege that comes with responsibilities, the most important is to demonstrate the support of veterans and their families.  This needs to be supported by good governance, transparency and accountability.”

“When that is not happening at a Sub-Branch, RSL Victoria’s State Branch has an obligation to intervene to ensure that the actions of one Sub-branch do not impact on the reputation of the work of the RSL more broadly.

“We have asked a number of questions of the Kew RSL Sub-Branch on all of these matters, and they have provided incomplete and unsatisfactory responses.”

The premises occupied by the Sub-Branch is held in trust by RSL Victoria who has now closed the doors until further notice.

RSL Victoria is working with the Sub-Branch to address immediate operational issues.

Other Sub-Branches in the region have been notified and will step in to provide support to veterans in the area for the next 12 months.

Hawthorn, Camberwell, and Box Hill RSL Sub-Branches are all within 8kms of the Kew RSL Sub-Branch.

During the 12-month suspension period Kew RSL Sub-Branch will be asked to provide a plan that addresses the current concerns of RSL Victoria.