RSL NSW welcomes new Minister

RSL NSW President Ray James has welcomed the appointment of Andrew Gee MP as the new Minister for Veterans’ Affairs as announced by the Australian Government. He will be sworn in on Friday.

Mr Gee, a former barrister, is the Member for Calare (Central West NSW) and has been Australia’s Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, and Minister Assisting Trade and Investment since February 2020.

Mr James acknowledged that being the eighth Minister appointed to the portfolio in as many years is an unsettling outcome on the eve of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. He noted Mr Gee will need to get up to speed quickly on the complexity of important issues that veterans and their families face and impress on the Government the importance of being responsive to the critical needs of those who have served and supporting their transition from the ADF into the broader community and workforce.

Mr James took the opportunity to thank Minister Chester for his valuable service to the veteran community as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs since 2018.

He understands that RSL Australia’s National President, Greg Melick, is arranging to meet with the new Minister as soon as practically possible after he is sworn in and looks forward to meeting him in due course.