What is the RSL

History

The RSL was established in 1916 by soldiers returning from Gallipoli their aims were simple. They needed to preserve the spirit of mate ship formed amidst the carnage of horror and battle. To honor the memory of the fallen and to help each other in their time of need and this is still today the underlying philosophy of the RSL.

Evolution of the RSL

The RSL evolved as a direct result of the camaraderie, concern and mateship shown by the "Diggers" for the welfare of their mates during and after the 1914 - 1918 War. That ethos of compassion and service remains today the motivating influence of the League.

Some key historical dates in the history of the League

June 1916

Conference of Returned Soldiers' Association recommended formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA)

September 1916

First RSSILA Congress (delegates from QLD, SA, TAS and VIC)

March 1917

NSW admitted to the League

March 1918

WA admitted to the League

1927

Formation of the ACT Branch

November 1940

Name changed to the Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA)

October 1965

Name changed to Returned Services League of Australia (RSL)

September 1983

Name changed to Returned Services League of Australia Limited (RSL)

September 1990

Name changed to Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL)

The ideals and objectives which had characterised the initiation of the first state associations in 1916 were correlated and finally adopted, in the following form, as the aims and objectives of the League:

• To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or allied forces, to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present serving members of the Defence Force and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour;
• To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia;
• To provide for the sick and wounded and needy among those who have served and their dependents including pensions, medical attention, homes and suitable employment;
• To inculcate loyalty to the Nation, to guard the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Defence Force; and
• To promote our policy on national questions, particularly:
• the unity of the Commonwealth of Nations,
• the Defence of Australia
• the maintenance of a sustainable and selective immigration policy
• the development of a national Defence infrastructure and Defence industry, and
• the promotion and proper employment of the nation's natural resources.

What is the RSL Motto?

"The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance"

RSL Mission Statement

To ensure that programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force members and their dependants; and promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.

The Role and Objectives of the RSL

To serve the interests of its members, veterans, the ex-service community and members of the Australian Defence Force, the RSL executes its role by effectively implementing the following objectives which are in accord with the League's Mission Statement:

• Welfare.
• Advocacy and Representation.
• Assistance to all veterans and ex-service men and women regardless of their membership in the League.
• Commemoration and Remembrance.
• Participation in employment Programs for veterans, ex-service members and their dependants.
• Commitment to democratic principles and practices.
• Provision of a means for members to enjoy camaraderie and mateship.
• Provision of effective and efficient management of RSL assets and resources for the benefit of its members and serving members of the ADF.
• Act as an effective lobby group to Government and its departments.
• Provision of moral and active support for the ADF.
• Provision of a respected and meaningful voice within the community and Australian society.
• Promotion of loyalty and pride which the League has for the Nation, its people, the Crown and the Flag.

Supporting the Australian Defence Force

RSL Standing Policy states that the primary objective of Australia's Defence and foreign policies should be to promote Australia's national security and safeguard Australia's vital interests. To meet such an objective, the RSL believes that Australia should maintain:

• regular armed forces (Navy, Army and Air Force elements); to be of a size able to operate without additional forces in limited roles, and with additional forces in major roles either at home or overseas;
• reserve forces (Navy, Army and Air Force elements); able to augment the regular forces, on callout able to undertake combat operations with minimum additional training, and able to be mobilised in times short of war;
• cadet forces;
• a national service scheme; in the form of military or civilian service to provide a reserve of trained and disciplined manpower;
• a Defence industry; and
• a national Defence infrastructure.

RSL support points of particular significance are:

• Defence policy should be above party politics. Because of its long term nature, major political parties must strive for agreement on Defence policy.
• The Defence vote should be progressively increased to be not less than 3.5% of the Gross National Product.
• The special nature of service in the ADF should be recognised by the provision of adequate housing and financial conditions of service for members and their families.
• The Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves must be active and essential components of the ADF.

Related Links

The Ambassador Card

Department of Veterans Affairs

RSL National

RSL Victoria

Membership

Service Membership

A Service member is one that has served in the Australian Defence Forces or the Defence Forces of our allies as a regular, Reserved or National service person.

Affiliate Membership

An affiliate is a type of membership that caterers for family members of serving or ex service men & women its purpose being to provides a form of RSL membership that maintains the “blood” line of those who have served their country in both peace and war. It is also for current and ex -serving members of anAustralian Police force, Fire brigade, Ambulance Service and State Emergency Services or any person who has been awarded a certificate of Appreciation by the RSL. By being a member there are many different services available for each and every member although they do vary between Service Members with overseas service as opposed to non overseas service and some are again different for affiliates members.

Fees for 2012

Service & Affiliate Members - $30

Associate & Social Members - $10

Download the application form here.

Access to RSL Sub-Branches by Members of the ADF

The RSL state executive (Victoria) recently past a resolution to allow access to sub-branches and the use of RSL facilities to all Australian Defence Force members in Victoria, full-time and part-time, on the production of their Service ID card.