Media Statement: RSL NSW President rejects reported views of RSL Australia President

RSL NSW State President Ray James said today that neither he nor RSL NSW share the views expressed by RSL Australia President Greg Melick about Julie-Ann Finney published online by ABC News.

Mr James extends his sympathy and support to any person that has lost a family member who served and protected their country.

Mr James said RSL NSW will continue to advocate for immediate wellbeing support for veterans and their families and for any outstanding recommendation from previous inquiries to be implemented, such as the recommendations of the 2019 Productivity Commission Inquiry Report: ‘A Better way to Support Veterans’, as a matter of urgency for the Government.

RSL NSW is committed to working with the Australian Government to support a Royal Commission and any recommendation that is made to improve veteran wellbeing will be welcomed by RSL NSW and its members.

Since 2019, RSL NSW and its partner charities RSL LifeCare and RSL DefenceCare have secured a Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre for Nowra, placed a Liaison Officer at the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare at Concord, and established the RSL Employment Program.

RSL DefenceCare provides financial, disaster, and accommodation assistance, and Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims support to all veterans and their families.

RSL NSW sub-Branches across NSW are open and veteran volunteers welcome any person that requires veteran-related support or services.