Membership Delays
Since returning from the Christmas Break we have received a number of phone calls regarding membership and Sub Branch Credits. Regrettably, Kathy has been absent due to the terminal illness of her mother and will be unavailable until further notice. We ask for your patience at this difficult time for Kathy and, like the Headquarters Staff, I'm sure your thoughts are with her and her family.
The Western Australia State Branch
In Western Australia the League has 8,500 Service members and 2,000 Affiliates that belong to a network of 130 Sub Branches ranging from several thousands in the metropolitan and regional centres to but a few in small rural areas who are determined to retain the identity of the ex-service community in their location.
The WA State Branch was formed in 1916 and has, since that time, been proactive in attending to the welfare needs of all ex-service and serving personnel with a particular focus on those in need or necessitous circumstances.
The RSL has a proud tradition of serving current and former members of the Australian Defence Forces and its Allies and through its Australia wide network is well placed to ensure excellence in delivery of service to those who have served their country.
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 to promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.
Who can join the RSL?
Any person who has served in any of the Australian Defence Forces in either of two World Wars or in any theatre of conflict, or for not less than six months in the Regular or Reserve Forces of any of the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations or of the United States of America or a country not an enemy of Australia, may join. Find out more about joining us here.
MEDIA RELEASE
21 December 2011
The Executive of the RSL WA State Branch has received information by way of complaint about the process of election of candidates at the State Congress held at the Mercure Hotel on 26 November 2011.
RSL WA State President, Bill Gaynor OAM RFD said a thorough investigation by the State Secretary has not excluded the possibility that the process conducted by the Returning Officer and staff may have materially affected the outcome of one or more of the ballots.
"Accordingly the State Executive has detemined that the possibility of an unfair outcome is sufficient for the RSL WA State Branch to seek a declaration with the consent of the RSL WA State Branch from the Supreme Court of Western Australia that the election was invalid and the outcomes are void," Mr Gaynor said.
After this Court process is concluded it will be the legal responsibility of the RSL WA State Branch to hold an election for the positions which are declared to be vacant and it is proposed to conduct this election strictly in accordance with the Constitution and rules by postal ballot and through an impartial and independent agency offering this service.
Mr Gaynor said the State Executive of the RSL sincerely apologises to all its members and to all of the candidates for each of the positions recently elected for these regrettable circumstances.
"However the primary concern for the State Executive is to act decisively, transparently and in the interests of procedural fairness for all candidates and Sub Branches in accordance with the values of the RSL."
Media Contact - John McCourt - Member State Executive - 0429 946 777