A message from the QLD RSL State President

MEMBERS UPDATE

Dear members,

You are no doubt aware there are a few matters that are top of mind in the veteran community: the recent delivery of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s final report and the revoking of medals awarded to Australian officers. I wanted to take a moment to address both matters.

As you engage with this Member Update, I strongly encourage and recommend those who may require assistance or support to please reach out to Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 or Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14.

ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DEFENCE AND VETERAN SUICIDE – OUR RESPONSE

This Royal Commission has provided a significant opportunity for veterans and their families to share their experiences and be heard.

On 9 September 2024, the final report was made public and is now available online along with high-level summaries provided by the Royal Commission.

The Australian Government is currently preparing its response to the report which has been presented in seven volumes with 122 recommendations focused on reducing Defence and veteran suicide.

As we await the government’s response, RSL Queensland has undertaken a detailed analysis of the final report and considered those recommendations we believe are of particular interest to the League, veterans and their families.

To read our analysis of the final report, click here.

The findings of the Royal Commission’s report are sobering and highlight the profound impact suicide has had, and continues to have, on our Defence and veteran community. While alarming, I believe the final report has provided some recommendations that, if they are implemented, will improve the transition experience and in turn reduce the rate of suicide in the veteran community.

In the coming weeks, RSL Queensland will work with our State counterparts, our National Office and stakeholders to refine our position on the recommendations we’ve identified in our analysis as important to our community. I will share another update with you in due course.

REVOKING OF MEDALS – AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN

Last week, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced he will be revoking medals awarded to some Australian commanders who served in the Afghanistan campaign.

RSL Queensland firmly echoes RSL Australia’s clear position that no medals should be taken away from recipients until all investigations and potential trials have been completed.

And the timing of the announcement, a few days after the Royal Commission’s report was released was poor, very poor.

This process has had a considerable and deleterious impact on veterans and their families and it has been going on for too long. RSL Queensland would like to see the findings wrapped up soon.

Sincerely,

Stephen Day DSC AM

State President RSL Queensland