Industry and Government

Veterans’ voices, amplified  

RSL Queensland works to amplify the voices of veterans and their families to ensure they are heard by those who can effect change and act to improve their wellbeing. To do this, we build awareness of the issues that currently, and will in future, impact veterans and their families across Queensland. 

Using data, evidence and research, we share the lived experiences of veterans and their families to help key decision makers develop legislation, form policies and undertake reforms that secure positive outcomes for the veteran community. 

As well as advocating for veterans and their families to all levels of government, RSL Queensland works closely with RSL Australia, RSL State Branches and other ex-service organisations (ESOs) to foster collaboration and help drive better outcomes within the sector.  

Key initiatives

To date, our government relations efforts have included: 

• Informing and influencing governments and candidates at state and federal level to help shape policy that better supports veterans and their families. 
• Facilitating state forums for Queensland ESOs, the State Government, Defence and DVA to understand advocacy priorities and progress, share our work and collaborate towards aligning our advocacy priorities. 
• Together with RSL Australia and other RSL State Branches, facilitated a series of National ESO Forums to inform the establishment of a National ESO Peak Body aimed at simplifying the ESO ecosystem and, therefore, veterans’ and their families’ access to services. 
• Supported and informed the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide through submissions identifying issues, risks and improvement opportunities in the current landscape for ADF members and veterans. 
• As part of the RSL Australia National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC), we work with other RSL State Branches to develop national policy positions with a view to influencing outcomes for veterans and their families. 

• Agreement by the Australian Government to establish an Independent Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission, which will oversee and advise the government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members. 
• Agreement by the Queensland Government to develop and deliver a Queensland Veteran and Veteran Family Strategy to help strengthen the state’s veteran community.   
• Establishment of the Institute of Veterans’ Advocates, which will provide leadership and support to help ensure high quality advocacy services.   
• Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) – that is, fully funded treatment for mental health conditions – for ADF Reservists.  

• Simplified and harmonised Veterans Entitlements’ Legislation, which makes it simpler and faster for veterans and eligible families to access rehabilitation and compensation payments from DVA. 
• Extended or additional Federal Government funding for increased DVA staffing levels, the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment Program (PAMT), the Veteran Psychiatry Training Program, the Veterans’ Home Care and Community Nursing Program, and investment to address veteran homelessness. 
• Agreement by the Australian Government, through DVA, to fund the development of an independent business case to inform a blueprint and implementation plan for an ESO Peak Body.