Welfare

The underlying philosophy of the League is mateship – this is as true now as when the League was first formed.

In 1916 there were no welfare services such as we know today. The League committed itself to provide for the sick, wounded and needy among those who have served and their dependants. This included pensions, medical attention, homes and suitable employment. As a result, the RSL was instrumental in the creation of the medical repatriation system and the introduction of service, disability and war widow’s pensions.

The RSL was also responsible for the introduction of various employment and retraining programs and for many years operated its own employment bureau, child health program and vocational guidance service.
 
In effect, the RSL was the first national welfare agency in Australia and continues to maintain welfare as its prime function, and provides a network of welfare and pensions officers to assist ex-servicemen and women and their dependants with a range of support services.

At a National level the RSL is represented on the Veterans’ Affairs Conditions of Service Committee and the National Defence Committees, amongst others. Through its involvement in such Committees, the RSL is an advocate for current serving members of the Australian Defence Force and has achieved significant benefits for them.