National%20president s%20newsletter%20no%2012

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Issue 12

National President’s Newsletter

Issue 12

May 2016

RSL NATIONAL PRESIDENT ADDRESSES BRITISH ROYAL LEGION IN THIS ISSUE

As the Returned & Services League approaches the official date of its Centenary we reflect on the achievements of the past and look to the opportunities ahead.

The Future In an era of increasingly rapid change and evolving political uncertainty it is vital that the Returned & Services League of Australia adapts to these changes while holding fast to the fundamental principles for which it was established. This is the greatest challenge for the future but one we are well placed to meet.

Renewal is vital – but so too is ensuring that we remain cohesive and effective in providing for those we were established to assist. The challenge for those in leadership positions at Sub Branch, Branch and National levels is to manage essential change by encouraging debate and member participation. This will never be easy in a volunteer organisation. We have attempted to do this in revising the RSL National

Constitution and it is my hope that this crucially important document will be adopted at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Another challenge for the future with which we are actively engaged is in trying to change national thinking about the way in which health care is provided to serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The recently released RSL draft paper on this vital issue is but the first step by a progressive ex-service organisation seeking to change the national narrative on this hugely important subject. Initial reactions are positive but much remains to be done.

Yet another challenge is to continue the RSL quest for a new way of thinking about the way in which veteran entitlements are managed. In a recent letter to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs I wrote:

.

Preview Centenary Ranges RSL National has developed a range of Centenary products that will be released from July 2016. These designs can be viewed at the National Conference.

Meet our Exhibitors Visit the exhibition stands at the RSL National Conference on Monday 6 June at the Sofitel in Melbourne.

National President’s Update by RADM Ken Doolan AO (Retd)

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | Issue 12 2

I convey the thanks of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) for the invitation you delivered to the members of the Ex-Service Round Table Organisation (ESORT) at the Budget lockup meeting at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) last week to advise what we consider is needed as a new paradigm or philosophy underpinning the operation of the essential replacement DVA information technology (IT) system.

You will by now have received a copy of the RSL draft paper about through life health care. This document and its subsequent iterations will form part of what we consider should be taken into account in establishing the framework for the way ahead.

That said, there are other issues we consider you might care to take into consideration as design work commences.

We outline these here as a preliminary response to your invitation on the basis that our position on this matter will evolve as we progress further with our health paper and as we more deeply consider what arrangements will best serve our members in the years ahead.

Our fundamental parameter is that the entire philosophy of the current system must be reversed. That is, instead of the onus being on the individual to initiate and pursue claims for entitlements legislated by the Parliament, the onus must be on the Government through its instrumentalities to ensure individuals are provided with all the entitlements to which legislation entitles them as soon as possible after that entitlement is established. We appreciate this will require legislative change but we consider this must form part of a holistic approach. We also appreciate that revised legislation must include protections for public funds but do not consider the two requirements are incompatible.

Our second but equally important parameter is that whatever IT system evolves, it must be completely compatible with the health IT system operating in the Department of Defence. As each person serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) nears the point where they transition back to civilian life it will be vital that both the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs have access to and are able to plan ahead using exactly the same health data (provided, of course, that individual members of the ADF give necessary approvals under the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988.)

We are examining the ways in which a completely revised system might operate and offer the following suggestions as part of our preliminary input.

Health care for those who have served in the ADF, including health assessments required to establish legislated entitlements, is best undertaken by medical practitioners with an understanding of what is entailed in ADF service. This theme will continue to be developed in our through life health care paper and is likely to be of importance to both the Department of Defence and DVA. Our proposition is that through negotiation with such entities as the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners, general practitioners around the nation would be encouraged to register as being willing to treat individuals with prior ADF service. A part of the registration would be agreement to participate, probably through video links, in limited training to assist them in understanding what ADF service entails from a medical point of view. Once registered it could be proposed to individuals leaving the ADF and settling in particular localities that their ongoing continuous health care could be provided by one of these local GPs, who, if the individual agrees, could be provided with their ADF medical data.

At the time each individual either approaches the end of their period of commitment to ADF service or for other reasons plans to exit the ADF or is to be removed from the ADF, meetings could be held either face to face or via video link involving the individual, her or his ADF exit advice specialist and a DVA transition specialist. The purpose of the meeting would be to establish entitlements (if any); ensure individuals are made personally aware that late developing symptoms may lead to entitlement years after leaving the ADF; seek from individuals their wishes with respect to their through life health care (for example choice of GP); resolve issues of contention or misunderstanding; and give individuals confidence of every assistance during the sometimes traumatic transition process back to civilian life.

We trust these preliminary suggestions are of assistance.

In the interim it is essential than any upgrade to DVA’s ICT systems fully integrates the decision making process of the three primary Acts. This will allow the full implementation of the Single Claim Form and the benefits in Claim processing that will flow from this procedure.

It is also imperative that if the process of deciding MRCA initial liability and Permanent Impairment payments/Incapacity payments remain separate functions in different areas of DVA, then the digitalisation of Claim Forms must be of a high priority in order to improve the time taken to process claims.



A third and equally important challenge is membership renewal. We have done well in recent years to slow the decrease, and during the last year, reversed the decrease in RSL members caused by the passing of the Second World War contingent. Membership grew by 1,500 across Australia in 2015.

But we cannot rest on our laurels and we must continue to strive to rearrange the ways in which we operate to cater for the expectations and needs of those who are younger while always ensuring we continue to respect and care for those of more mature years. I will have more to say about this topic during my final address at the forthcoming RSL National Conference.

Thank You As I am to stand down from the position as your National President at the Annual General Meeting on 7 June 2016, I take this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for all you have done to assist me and, more particularly, the Returned & Services League of Australia during the past 7 years.

It has been an enormous privilege to have worked with you during this period of change and to have witnessed, first hand, the hugely important effort that the RSL directs towards the ongoing welfare needs of the service and ex-service community and their families around the nation.

During my visits to Sub Branches in all States and Territories and to two which are in other countries you have taken legitimate pride in explaining what is being achieved and in telling me about your plans for the future. These visits have also allowed conversations with community leaders throughout the nation during which I have been told repeatedly of the importance of the work of RSL Sub Branches in supporting local communities and of their vital link to those communities.

The dedication of the RSL membership to the ideals of our iconic organisation should be a matter of great pride to all. It is certainly not lost on the nation’s political leaders as demonstrated by their attendance at and participation in so many RSL events.

The RSL has well served the nation for 100 years. With your continued dedication and hard work there is every reason to expect the RSL will continue to provide excellent service for the next 100 years.

Well done everyone – and my thanks for your friendship and the many kindnesses you have shown to Elaine and to me.


RSL Members by State and Territory Locations in 2015


More than 416,000 Australians enlisted in World War I. Some 300,000 troops served overseas, and one in five never made it home. The impact of the war and its role in dividing Australian society was significant. For those who did eventually make it back home to be reunited with their families, they returned to a more serious, sober, and divided nation than that which they had left, but which stood tall in the knowledge that it had made a significant contribution to the Allied victory.

In 1916, the Returned and Services League was founded in Australia by returning soldiers from World War I with the aim of continuing to provide the camaraderie, concern, and mateship shown amongst the Australian diggers while they were at war. Today, the RSL continues to ensure that adequate care, advocacy, and financial assistance are provided to returning servicemen and women, as well as those currently serving in the Australian Defence Force.

The historic Perth Mint is renowned as a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of some of the most significant coin programs ever seen. Many of these have honoured the spirit, courage, mateship and sacrifice of Australia’s military personnel and supporting services.

This year, as the RSL celebrates 100 years of service, The Perth Mint is proud to release the first of the RSL’s official 100th anniversary coin commemoratives. These limited editions include a 1oz silver and a 1/4oz gold coin, issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. Both coins depict a representation of the RSL badge and include the inscriptions RSL CENTENARY LEST WE FORGET and ‘1916 2016’.

The Perth Mint is honoured to offer RSL members a special discount on the limited edition RSL Centenary collector coin program. Both coins are available to members at a discount of 15%.

Since its foundation, the RSL has grown to 1,200 sub-branches Australia wide with more than 170,000 members, making it the largest ex-service organisation in the country. The Perth Mint is honoured to be a part of centenary celebrations for this inspiring Australian organisation.

Learn more about The Perth Mint and its commemorative product range at www.perthmint.com.au/RSL100

RSL Centenary

Collector Coins Program

Graham Edwards AM, President of RSL WA with The Perth Mint RSL coins

http://www.perthmint.com.au/RSL100


The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Heart Health Program has been helping returned service men and women for over 15 years. The fully funded program aims to help veterans increase their overall health, physical fitness and wellbeing through practical exercise, nutrition and healthy lifestyle education. Running for 52 weeks, the preventative health program covers a range of topics including setting healthy goals, eating well, lowering alcohol consumption, communication and stress management, taking care of your body, solving problems and maintaining a healthy heart. The program is offered in two formats – the Heart Health Group Program and the Individual Heart Health Correspondence Program.

Managed and delivered by Corporate Health Management, the program was initially developed in response to the increased risk, up to 20% in some cases, returned service men and women face in developing heart disease compared to the general population of the same age. Although the program does centre on the heart health issue, those taking part can work to improve other aspects of their health, fitness or wellbeing, including weight loss, increasing the strength of muscles and bones, social interaction and mindful health. Over the 15 plus years the Veterans Heart Health Program has been available, thousands of veterans have enrolled to take part and all have worked to towards these goals and more.

The Veterans Heart Health Program is open to all returned veterans, peace keepers and peace makers who have not completed the program before. All age groups, fitness levels and levels of mobility are provided for in the program with participants supported by a network of health professionals all working to provide advice, direction and resources as they continue to make positive change.

John, a Vietnam veteran, had been a member of a group program, John’s group met at Everton Hills with members coming from far and wide each week. John recalled “The benefits of the increased activity extends far beyond that of physical wellbeing”. Groups across Australia meet one or two times a week and have a trainer to guide them through the program. Exercise has many benefits health-wise for those who may not have previously engaged in any form of physical activity. “The group worked together as a team and looked out for each other, if fact even after the end of our program, we continue to do that”. The morale and stamina that many of those taking part demonstrate is fed by that of their fellow members. John notes that “our main strength is our bond and the things we have in common and our ability to understand each other and our journeys”.

If veterans are unable to attend a group, those taking part can access the program via the correspondence version. Programs are tailored specifically for the individual and participants are supported by their GP and a health coach via fortnightly phone sessions.

The Outreach Heart Health Program provides the veteran community with more flexible access to information and education and activity resources to give them the tools they need to improve their physical health and ultimately, to enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Last year Heart Health participants achieved amazing results:

Collectively, participants lost more than 540 kilos

Veterans in the program bucked the national trend – while the average Australian gained more than a half a kilo, the average Heart Health participant lost double that figure

Veterans also significantly improved their blood pressure: the number of participants with high blood pressure dropped by 15%

They improved their overall satisfaction and sense of well-being 82% said the program helped them ‘enjoy life better’

At the start of the program 40% of participants were dissatisfied with their health. That dropped to 25% at the end of the last quarter.

A Majority improved their physical fitness and level of activity

Most planned to make permanent changes to their lifestyle as a result.

As the program moves into its 16th year of improving veterans’ health, there continues to be opportunities for those who have not had the chance to make positive change to their health fitness and wellbeing. With new group programs developing regularly and of course the availability of the individual program all those wanting to take part can start at any time.

Further information on the Heart Health program can be found on the programs website www.veteransheart health.com.au

If you are eligible (or wish to confirm your eligibility) and would like to register for the Heart Health Program, contact the program managers, Corporate Health Management on 1300 246 262.

Veterans Heart Health Program

– Improving veterans’ health


The Department of Defence appreciates the RSL’s continued efforts and support in preserving military history. Sub-branches are welcome to register their interests for surplus Defence equipment with the Disposals and Sales Branch. Once registered, the Sub-branches will be notified in writing should their items of interest become available in the future.

Allocation of surplus equipment to community and heritage organisations, including RSLs, follows a competitive selection process. When surplus equipment with historical significance becomes available for disposal, the announcement for sale is through a public tender. The specific requirements of the tender are determined on a case-by-case basis. Organisations must agree to Defence’s proposed terms and conditions in order for their offers to be considered. Broadly, bids are evaluated against criteria which aim to achieve the best net outcome for the Commonwealth, as well as support preservation of military heritage.

You may have seen a M113 vehicle displayed at your local RSL at this year’s ANZAC Day celebrations. A number of Australian historical organisations, including many RSL Sub-branches, are proud recipients of a demilitarised ex-Army M113 vehicle. The vehicles were recently provided as part of Defence’s disposal program.

From their first service in Vietnam, through to United Nations deployments, and local exercises, the M113 family has protected and transported soldiers for over 50 years before the family of vehicles was withdrawn from service in 2006. Around 430 M113AS1 were upgraded to the M113AS4 variant which will continue to provide the Australian Defence Force with a valuable protected mobility and armoured fighting capability for years to come.

In recognition of the M113’s historical significance, the Chief of Army offered a number of non-operational vehicles to Australian historical organisations, including RSLs, Vietnam veterans’ and other community organisations, for use as static display through a public tender process in March 2015. Consistent with sale of other surplus Defence equipment, the vehicles were offered on a cost-recovery basis.

The price was kept to a minimum and was largely due to demilitarisation costs. The vehicles were collected by the recipients from Victoria’s Wadsworth Barracks (East Bandiana site) in February and March this year.

Looking ahead, Defence expects to release the tenders for about 50 0.303 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifles and over 140 M16A1 rifles around June or July this year. The weapons will be rendered innocuous and the recipients will need to comply with the relevant state firearms legislation and be responsible for the collection and transport of the firearms.

If you are interested in registering your Sub-branch’s interest in the 0.303, M16A1 or other equipment, or just want to know more about the process, please send an email to [email protected]

Preserving Military History

From left to right: Mr Uwe Schoenherr, Mr Tony Fryer (St Marys RSL Sub-branch Honorary Secretary), and Mr Frank Woodford standing proudly in front of the recently installed M113 static display.

mailto:[email protected]


Australia Post is commemorating 100 years of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) with the release of a new stamp on 31 May.

This stamp issue, says Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt, “highlights the important role that the RSL has in ensuring the wellbeing, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force members and their dependents.

“The RSL is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected national organisations. We trust this stamp issue will remind all Australians of the significant contribution of the RSL in its centenary year,” he said.

RSL National President, Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Retd) says: "We are delighted that Australia Post is celebrating our centenary in this way. While acknowledging the past and honouring the extraordinary foresight of our founders, we are firmly focused on how the RSL can best serve veterans, their families, the service and ex-service community and the nation for the next 100 years.”

The League was initially established to care for the welfare of servicemen returning from World War One (1914–18) and has since grown to 1,200 sub-branches with more than 170,000 members, including affiliates, making it the largest ex-service organisation in Australia. Today, membership of RSL is open to both veterans and the broader Australian community.

The domestic base-rate ($1) stamp was designed by Melbourne-based Janet Boschen of Boschen Design.

The stamp design features the badge of the RSL which depicts the Crown signifying allegiance to Queen and country with the national flowers of Australia, Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland – the wattle, the leek, the rose, the thistle, and the shamrock. The badge also features images of servicemen and women taken from recruitment posters for the armed services from the 1940s and 1950s. The RSL badge is worn in honour only by those who have rendered service in the armed forces of the Crown or its allies.

The stamp also features images of servicemen and women. These were taken from recruitment posters from the post-war era of the 1940s and 1950s. This ‘retro’ style ties in with the artwork used on the RSL badge itself and alludes to the organisation’s long history. Copies of both posters are held in the collection of the Australian War Memorial.

The products associated with this stamp issue are a first day cover, stamp pack, sheetlet of 10 x $1 stamps, booklet of 20 x $1 self-adhesive stamps, postal and numismatic cover, medallion cover and a maxicard.

Australia Post commemorates RSL centenary

with a new stamp issue

The Centenary of the RSL stamp issue is available from participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800

331 794 and online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps

http://www.auspost.com.au/stamps


A badge you can be proud to carry in your pocket RSL Money is a joint initiative between RSL and Australian Military Bank Ltd and is Australia’s only banking service designed to contribute to the sustained growth of the RSL movement.

Open to all RSL Sub Branch members and their partners, RSL Money offers its members a range of high value low cost banking products that helps to promote the RSL brand throughout the broader community. RSL Money offers its members: the RSL Money Low Rate Credit Card, the RSL Money Deeming Account and the RSL Money Sub Branch Account.

Every time you use RSL Money products, you are helping to promote the RSL brand throughout the broader community. Contributions raised from the RSL Money initiative go towards the RSL National Office and will help to keep RSL annual membership fees low.

Get in touch with our RSL Partnership Manager Ann Roach is the RSL Partnership Manager for RSL Money and is here to talk to you about RSL Money’s unique range of products. Ann’s focus is on providing personal service and valuable solutions for RSL Sub-Branches and their members.

Ann is responsible for building relationships and promoting the brand within the greater RSL community. In fact, Ann has been working with RSL’s in NSW for the past 9 years, during which time she has enjoyed developing and growing many working relationships with Sub-Branches.

What our customers have to say about RSL Money Janet Porter JP, Treasurer at Lane Cove RSL Sub-Branch, has said to Ann that she would “highly recommend RSL Money. The staff have been nothing but extremely helpful with the transition to their bank. Being able to use the internet to pay accounts and using visa debit card to executive officers has been extremely helpful. No more standing in line at the Bank.”

Mr Mackie, Treasurer/Trustee at the Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-Branch, agrees with Porter, saying “the staff have been extremely helpful and friendly always”. Mr Mackie said he “initially opened an RSL Money Account for the sole purpose of tracking Government Grants with the advent of the Centenary of Anzac.” He went on to say “the account has proved to be a great success allowing them to have multiple users and permitting our Office Managers to track these grants and payments”.

The Executive Committee at Redfern RSL Sub-Branch says, they too “are very happy with the ease of transactions and transfer of funds. The Visa Cards are extremely helpful making the cheque book nearly obsolete. Their Treasurer is able to look at daily transactions and print off statements when required.”

Need to talk to someone? If you would like to find out more about the benefits of RSL Money products, you can contact Ann on 0418 400 143, visit www.rslmoney.com.au or call the dedicated hotline on 1300 000 775. We can also come to your Sub-Branch to conduct an RSL Money presentation at a time that suits you.

RSL Money is a business name of Australian Military Bank Limited ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL and Australian credit licence number 237 988. The advice and information in this article doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, which you should consider before acting on any of our recommendations. To decide if any of the products mentioned above are right for you, please carefully review the relevant Terms and Conditions and Fees and Charges Schedule available at www.rslmoney.com.au. Applications for the RSL Money Low Rate Credit Card are subject to ADCU’s normal lending criteria.

RSL Money –

Banking Solutions for Sub-Branches and Members

Conference delegates can visit the RSL

Money stand at the RSL National

Conference on Monday 6 June at

the Sofitel, Melbourne.


The RSL is a grassroots organisation that has reached its Centenary year through the work of Sub-Branch volunteers. These people give freely of their time to help others and have created an organisation that is standing the tests of time.

RSL has released two special limited edition ranges ahead of our official establishment date of 6 June 2016. The Perth Mint released a limited number of RSL Centenary Coins on 1 March 2016. Australia Post has designed a Centenary Stamp and range of commemorative products that are available from 31 May.

The Centenary program runs through

until 5 June 2017 and there are many

exciting events and birthday gifts that

will be shared with our members. An

exciting new range of commemorative

products is being produced by RSL

National so members and supporters

can purchase a memento to mark this

milestone and their connection to this

historic event.

There are items in the range that are

exclusive to RSL members and we

anticipate will become highly collectible.

Other items are available to those who

support and admire our organisation and

want to recognise our 100 years of

community service.

The funds raised will be used by

National, State and Territory branches

to help veterans and their families in

those local communities.

In July 2016, the first member-only

products will be available from

www.rslshop.com

Later in the year the range will expand

and can be ordered via the RSL Shop.

The supporter range will also be made

available for purchase through a

selected number of gift store retailers

across Australia.

Treasured Keepsakes for RSL Members and

Supporters

Thank You to our Exhibitors

We appreciate the support of our partners in developing programs and products that help our members.

For those attending the 100th RSL National Conference in Melbourne you can visit the following exhibitor stands:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Department of Defence

Heart Health

RSL Money RSL National will also have a stand showcasing programs being delivered in each State or Territory ..and samples of the Centenary products from Australia Post and the Perth Mint.

The next edition of the National Presidents Newsletter will be available on Friday 24 June 2016.

http://www.rslshop.com/

National%20president s%20newsletter%20no%2012

Documents

Transcript of National%20president s%20newsletter%20no%2012