Vince Connelly (Stirling, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) notes the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) was founded in 1916 to ensure a unified approach to address the lack of organised repatriation facilities and medical services available to those returning from the Great War;

(2) recognises there are RSL branches and sub-branches in every state and territory, and most local communities have a RSL club;

(3) further notes the motto of the RSL is 'The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance';

(4) acknowledges that RSL clubs help veterans and communities right around Australia in many and varied ways; and

(5) congratulates the many hard-working volunteers and community-minded citizens who help make the RSL the success that it is.

The motto of the Returned and Services League, or RSL, is 'The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.' I read this in two ways. Firstly, we do need to be eternally vigilant and defend our freedoms, our liberty, against those who would oppress us. I also read it to mean that we need to look after and sustain liberty within our society, including the freedom and wellbeing of those who have served our nation and of their families.

This motion is particularly prescient at this point in time given the backdrop as we work through the findings and the recommendations of the Brereton report into Afghanistan. At this point in time, whilst we deal with the challenging nature of the report and its recommendations, it's imperative that we continue to provide every bit of compassion, understanding and support to our service men and women, veterans and their families nationwide. I know members on all sides of this House are of the same mind.

The RSL was founded in 1916 to ensure a unified approach to address a lack of organised repatriation facilities and medical services available to those men and women who fought in the Great War. This included looking out for the families of those comrades who did not return. The RSL arose out of discussions at a meeting in 1916 between the state branches or associations of returned soldiers. The core mission of the RSL has never changed, but it has continued to evolve as we meet the needs of each successive generation of service men and women and their families.

I'd like to take a moment here to congratulate the RSL in Western Australia, particularly the president, Peter Aspinall; the CEO, John McCourt; and the vice-president, Duncan Anderson. On 12 November, just under one month ago, RSL Western Australia opened its new headquarters, Anzac House, also known as Veteran Central. This is home to a veterans' hub which includes facilities which are dedicated to health, housing and, importantly, employment services for veterans. Anzac House Veteran Central will provide access to health providers, hearing health, physiotherapy, dental health, occupational therapy, mental health support and even financial, legal and employment support. In addition it will see services by Open Arms under the Department of Veterans' Affairs as well as easy access to counselling and services for veterans and their families.

The federal government is incredibly supportive of veterans' welfare, and this is what led to $30 million to partner with ex-service organisations and state and territory governments. The Anzac House Veteran Central hub I mentioned is one of a number around the country. In fact, there are six of those wellness hubs throughout Australia.

In September I was honoured to speak at RSLWA's state congress, where I touched also on the important work RSLWA is doing in supporting our current and former service men and women and their families through the partnership they have with the R&R Veterans Transition Centre in Jarrahdale, which itself is doing amazing things for veterans, service men and women and their families.

I'd also like to congratulate the RSLs in my own electorate, including RSL Osborne Park, where Richard Troughton and the committee there do great work; Nollamara RSL, with Keith Boxshall and the committee; and North Beach RSL, where my wife, Peta, and I are members. I particularly congratulate the president, John Rolfe; and executive members Brad Harrison, David King, Trevor McEntyre and Kochie. I also give a shout-out to the office bearers: David King, Chris Rampant, Alex Lennox, David House, Goughie, Paul McGuinness and Pete Edwards. I'm also compelled to commend a lot of those who lean in and help out constantly. This includes but is certainly not limited to Roger Hardwick, Greg Young, Macca Dougie and of course Rob Sweet, who is a tireless operator. I also commend some of the younger RSL members, who are starting to pick up the torch for the next generation, which is so important. They include Ben Pronk, Tim Curtis, Hannah Armig and Dave Singer. Well done to all of you. If I can give a final word of encouragement to those veterans out there who may not have joined their local RSL: please get on board and help pick up the torch.

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