RSL NSW in Crisis Amid Allegations of Misconduct, Board Dysfunction, and Leadership Disputes
RSL NSW, the state branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia, is facing significant internal turmoil following a series of board conflicts and serious allegations against its leadership. The organization, which has long represented the interests of veterans, is now grappling with accusations that its president, Mick Bainbridge, exploited veterans and allowed a conflict of interest to develop involving his law firm and lobbying activities.
The controversy reached new heights when Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie made explosive claims under parliamentary privilege. Lambie alleged that Bainbridge’s law firm, which he co-founded with fellow RSL NSW director Paul James, had been overcharging veterans for legal services. This law firm was designed to be veteran-friendly, making the accusations even more alarming. Both Bainbridge and James have firmly denied these allegations, stating there is no basis for such claims.
Adding to the upheaval, former RSL NSW chair Sophie Ray has lodged an internal complaint against Bainbridge, accusing him of bullying, issuing threats, failing to disclose conflicts of interest, and neglecting his responsibilities to act in the best interests of RSL NSW and its members. Bainbridge, however, refuted these accusations, denying any misconduct.
Ray’s departure as chair in June, four months before her term was scheduled to end, was reportedly an attempt to defuse escalating tensions on the board. Her resignation followed months of heated board meetings that frequently devolved into shouting matches, with little progress being made on key issues affecting veterans and their families.
Earlier this year, an external consultant was brought in to assess the growing dysfunction within the board. The consultant’s report concluded that the board’s infighting had rendered it dysfunctional and that the organization’s ability to adequately support veterans would be significantly compromised if immediate changes were not implemented. Despite these warnings, Ray claims that Bainbridge and James continued to engage in bullying and intimidating tactics against other directors even after her resignation.
James, in his defence, expressed disappointment over the accusations, stating, “We’re disappointed and totally disagree with the untrue and untested claims made against us.” Despite the denials, the situation has only fuelled further division within the organization.
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns among veterans and stakeholders about the future of RSL NSW and its ability to fulfill its mission of supporting those who served. Without resolution, the organization risks not only losing its credibility but also its capacity to advocate for the welfare of the veteran community it serves.
ED: Authors name known but withheld on request.
