RSL Queensland Annual Report 2020

51 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2020 Annual Highlights Advocating for Veterans ADVOCATING FOR VETERANS In 2020, as work began on implementing our Strategic Plan, we recognised capability gaps within the organisation that need to be filled to ensure we can reach our strategic goals. For us to achieve our strategic goal of Influence – to stand up as a peak body and be the voice of the veteran – we need a team dedicated to it. In 2021, a new portfolio will be created – Veteran Affairs and Policy – to sit beside the existing Service Delivery portfolio. The departments will work together for the betterment of the Defence family’s quality of life. "We’ll sit side-by-side, but while Service Delivery might identify a particular need to be addressed, Veteran Affairs and Policy will find a program with appropriate outcomes and build their capability or build a case around it and take a submission to government. A key differentiator with this portfolio is, it’s not just about RSL Queensland growing – it’s about considering how we can collaborate with the ecosystem and shape it to drive the best outcomes for our Defence family." says Robert. With our long history, proven record of success, established credibility, and ever-growing network of services for veterans, we have an incredible opportunity to collaborate more closely with ESOs and government, and play a more powerful role in advocating for veterans and their families nationally. Just as the RSL’s founders were for their mates, we’ll be the voice that our current and future veterans need us to be. We have an incredible opportunity to play a more powerful role in advocating for veterans nationally. / In 2020, representatives from RSL Queensland were advisors to: 1 The Queensland Consultative Forum, with meetings chaired by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Commissioner 2 The RSL National Veterans Advisory Committee (NVAC), which discusses veteran and veteran family related issues of national interest 3 The Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) Regional Forum, which discusses training issues for advocates in Region 1 (Queensland and Northern Territory) 4 The Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) as the national ESO representative providing feedback regarding Statements of Principle 5 The Queensland State Government, which is currently undergoing changes in its structure and introducing a Queensland Veterans’ Council.