Far North Coast clubs have welcomed the decision by the Returned and Services League of Australia to oppose the Gillard Government’s $3 billion mandatory pre-commitment proposal.
At the 2011 RSL National Conference, the Presidents of every State and Territory RSL agreed to write to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister Jenny Macklin, expressing their concern.
The letter details the impact mandatory pre-commitment would have on Australia’s 471 RSL clubs and sub-branches, including the eight RSL clubs across the Far North Coast.
Deputy National President and NSW RSL President Don Rowe OAM said the $3 billion cost of mandatory pre-commitment would lead to the closure of hundreds of RSL and services clubs across Australia, which in turn would see many RSL sub-branches close.
“RSL sub-branches which depend on the clubs’ backing would also close, placing in jeopardy the support that many veterans require and threatening the continued observance of ANZAC Day and other commemorations in small rural and suburban communities,” he wrote in the letter.
Ballina RSL General Manager Bill Coulter said that their club’s history dated back to 1954 when it was formed to assist war veterans and their families.
“We have a long and proud history of supporting servicemen and women, as well as the wider community,” Mr Coulter said.
“RSL clubs provide significant financial support to the community and provide a place for veterans and their families to socialise.
“Unfortunately, mandatory pre-commitment puts the future of RSL clubs in jeopardy.
“It’s an experimental and expensive scheme that won’t help problem gamblers, but will hurt our RSLs and the sub-branches they support,” Mr Coulter said.
Clubs Australia CEO Anthony Ball said that RSL clubs provide sub-branches and former defence personal with essential support services such as Veterans Welfare Officers, financial and mental health counselling, as well as excursions for RSL sub-branch members and their partners.
“The decision of the RSL, an organisation that has traditionally been reluctant to enter political campaigns, to voice its opposition to mandatory pre-commitment, cannot be ignored by the Gillard Government.”
The Returned and Services League (RSL) of Australia, represents more than 240,000 ex-servicemen and women and their families nationwide.
