HISTORIC reforms have passed NSW Parliament aimed at “restoring the heart” of the state RSL and forcing greater accountability onto the veterans’ organisation.
The changes come in the wake of a review into the League’s charitable fundraising activities conducted by retired Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin.
The review investigated a number of issues and irregularities including the payment of consultancy fees to NSW branch councillors from RSL LifeCare, the charity’s aged care arm, and other benefits including to the former president Donald Rowe.
Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said the measures would empower each individual member of the RSL NSW to vote for their new board of directors as part of representative voting reform.
It will replace the current procedure of 352 NSW sub-branches each having one vote to elect members of the governing body.
“These historic reforms will democritise RSL NSW and ensure it is accountable to its members and the broader community who have supported the League in wartime and peace over the past century,” Mr Elliott said.
“The past few years have been a tumultuous time for RSL NSW. I’ve traveled around the state consulting with the rank and file sub-branch members, and it’s clear that they are eager for the RSL NSW to get back to its core business of supporting veterans and their families.”
The amendments to the organisation’s governing Act also include a required number of board directors, ensuring directors disclose any financial interest; remuneration of directors and the tabling of an annual report to NSW Parliament each year.
A statement from RSL NSW said failing to attract quality leaders to run it in recent decades had had obvious consequences.
“Our membership are (sic) keen to return to fundraising to help veterans and their families, concerned to ensure our new constitution works, and ready to put the crisis of the past year behind us.
A new draft constitution will be considered by members at an extraordinary congress in December.
“The RSL NSW Bill is a major step towards completing the reform of this proud organisation,” said the statement.
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