RSL Queensland position on a Royal Commission

Dear friends

There has recently been substantial media coverage about the necessity of a Royal Commission into veteran suicide. 

I want to reassure all members that RSL Queensland takes this issue very seriously. It is an unimaginable tragedy when any person takes their own life. One life lost is one too many, and supporting veterans who are struggling with mental health issues remains one of RSL Queensland’s highest ongoing priorities. 

Although a Royal Commission would undoubtedly delve deeply into systemic issues, we are genuinely concerned that it will take critical time to convene and produce recommendations, with any resulting action coming some way into the future. While we will participate fully, as we have done in all inquiries to date, we do not necessarily believe this is the only logical step for the government to take.

The issue of veterans’ mental health and their overarching Quality of Life is complex, and many reviews and reports have been produced on the issue in recent years. 

RSL Queensland is keenly awaiting the Federal Government’s response to the Productivity Commission recommendations, the implementation of all existing recommendations from previous reviews, and an assessment of how these new initiatives are improving the tangible experience of veterans, particularly as they discharge from service and adjust to civilian life. 

In the meantime, our focus, as Queensland’s leading ESO, is on implementing programs that we know have a positive impact during the challenging transition process. Our programs are underpinned by research, meaning we can quantify their impact on the wellbeing of veterans at all stages of their Defence journey. This means we are investing in programs and interventions that have a measurable impact on Quality of Life, and we will continue to do so.

Yours sincerely

Tony Ferris
State President