RSL NSW welcomes Federal Budget’s additional investment into support for veterans
RSL NSW President Ray James has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment of $408.1 million in support for veterans, delivered in last night’s 2022/23 Budget.
Mr James noted funding for a further 10 additional Veteran Wellbeing Centres was included in the budget papers, adding to the eight centres included in previous funding rounds, and said that RSL NSW is lobbying for NSW to get its fair share.
“The veteran population in NSW is on par with Queensland, which has already been promised two Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Townsville and South-East Queensland, whereas New South Wales only received a single wellbeing centre, based on the South Coast in Nowra,” Mr James said.
“The Government needs to consider capital investment in further Veteran Wellbeing Centres to cater for the regionally dispersed veteran community we have across NSW, particularly in priority locations such as the Riverina, Hunter, South-West Sydney, and the North Coast.”
RSL NSW and RSL LifeCare established a Veterans Wellbeing Centre in Wagga Wagga in late 2021, to complement the sole Commonwealth-supported wellbeing centre in Nowra (also operated by RSL LifeCare), using a sustainable operating model that demonstrates the League’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and their families.
Mr James also welcomed the 2022-23 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.
“Veteran volunteers in the network of RSL NSW sub-Branches across the State will continue to support veteran wellbeing and connect those in need with support and other services, , sport and recreation programs, facilitating camaraderie and leading commemorations in local communities across the state,” Mr James concluded.
Please find link to a release co-issued by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs with a comprehensive overview of the investment in veterans and their families, and the Defence Portfolio Budget Statement.
