RSLQ 2021 Annual Report

55 RSL Queensland Annual Report | 2021 In 2021, RSL Queensland were advisors to or members of: 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. A national RSL council established to review the progress of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Annual Highlights Also this year, RSL Queensland: • Made representations to DVA regarding changes to the provision of pharmacy services • Drafted a proposal for all Reservists to have access to Non Liability Health Care for mental health conditions. This action was instigated by RSL member John McKinnon from Pine Rivers RSL Sub Branch, and the draft report was completed in consultation with the Defence Reserves Association and Defence Force Welfare Association. The draft is under consideration as a national initiative • Continued to work closely with the Australian Defence Force Retirement Association regarding the ongoing effect of the Douglas decision regarding military superannuation • Made a submission in response to the Department of Veterans' Affairs Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of Veteran Wellbeing Centres in South East Queensland, and continue working with RSL Tasmania to support their submission • Continued to work with the Queensland Government regarding their findings from the Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation that are relevant to ESOs • Attended frequent meetings with the Queensland Government and made submissions regarding the role and structure of the Queensland Veterans Council, the reinstatement of which we continue to advocate for. Significantly, we also took great strides in the planning and development of the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Centre, to be established in Stafford in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. This Centre will bring together complementary services provided by RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates, and other ESOs under one roof, with the aim of reducing the confusion for veterans seeking support. Construction starts in 2022. There is much to look forward to under the portfolio of veteran advocacy and policy development. This year saw progress and foundations laid as we worked towards becoming a trusted voice representing the interests of the Australian Defence community and the broader ESO community. 4. The Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) Regional Forum, which discusses training issues for advocates in Region 1 (Queensland and Northern Territory). RSL Queensland has also dealt directly with DVA regarding changes to the governance of ATDP 5. The Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) as the national ESO representative providing feedback regarding Statements of Principle. Advocating for Veterans / Advocating for Veterans continued Our enduring commitment to supporting current serving members and their families has put us in a position of strength to understand Defence wellbeing priorities, and we’re trusted to represent the ex-serving sector in a current serving space. Advocating for Veterans