RSL NSW welcomes Federal Budget’s additional investment into services for veterans

Media Releases

12 May 2021

RSL NSW President Ray James has welcomed the Morrison Government’s investment of $702.6 million into veteran wellness, support, suicide prevention and the bolstering of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to improve engagement and to process the backlog of claims.

While doing so, Mr James said that RSL NSW will continue to lobby the Government to consider supporting the establishment of more Veteran Wellbeing Centres in NSW to match its commitment to Queensland-based veterans. RSL NSW has developed a sustainable operating model that demonstrates the League’s ongoing commitment to its purpose of supporting veterans and their families.

“The population of veterans in NSW is on par with those in Queensland, so it is logical that the Government will consider further Veteran Wellbeing Centres in areas such as South-West Sydney, the Riverina, Hunter, and Mid-North and Far North Coasts.”

In a previous statement in relation to the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide Mr James highlighted the need for a response to recommendations made in the Productivity Commission’s A Better Way to Support Veterans report.

“I welcome the Government’s commitment to address previous recommendations to support veterans and their families as part of its interim response to the Royal Commission,” Mr James said.

“Veteran volunteers in the network of RSL NSW sub-Branches across NSW will continue to support veteran wellbeing and connect those in need with the support and other services, and what other support they may need throughout the Royal Commission process.”

Mr James welcomed the 2021-2022 veteran-related budget measures that complement the services provided by the partner charity of RSL NSW, RSL LifeCare including advocacy support, DVA claims and appeals, employment, housing and financial assistance.

Please find link to a release issued by The Hon Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs with a comprehensive overview of the investment in veterans and their families.