New laws to reduce expenses and boost the governance of RSL sub-Branches passes Parliament
The NSW Government has passed significant legislative amendments to enable RSL NSW sub-Branches across the State to improve their governance and accountability.
The amendment to the RSL NSW Act 2018 (RSL NSW Amendment Bill 2022), which passed in NSW Parliament on Tuesday, will see RSL NSW sub-Branches who are looking to reconstitute as companies limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001, be exempted from duties that would be otherwise paid during the process of incorporation.
Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said the RSL NSW Amendment Bill 2022 will greatly assist in improving the governance and transparency of sub-Branches.
“We have removed a major barrier for RSL NSW sub-Branches to pursue the process of incorporation and this will greatly assist them in their operations, by modernising and achieving an enduring governance structure, where assets and property are not tied to individual members,” Mr Tudehope said.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the new laws would reduce considerable expenses for sub-Branches of RSL NSW, empowering them to place more focus on the charities that support returned servicemen and servicewomen.
“The NSW Government is committed to continuing to drive changes to ensure our veterans receive the best available support. If sub-Branches pursued the process of incorporation without this amendment, it could significantly deplete cash reserves, which in turn hinders charitable operations and support for local commemorations,” Mr Elliott said.
“The Government has also recently lodged its submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which acknowledged the enhanced role that RSL NSW and its sub-Branches could play in the future to provide localised supports for our servicemen and servicewomen transitioning to civilian life.”
RSL NSW President Ray James said these changes would have a positive impact on the operations of the sub-Branches and is encouraging the sub-Branches of the RSL NSW to incorporate.
“The passage of this amendment further demonstrates that the NSW Government is responsive to the needs of RSL NSW and its members,” Mr James said.
“The new laws will ensure that the RSL can focus its charitable funds on supporting veterans and their families.”
The details of the RSL NSW Amendment Bill 2022 is available here.
MEDIA:
Ann-Marie Boumerhe | Minister Tudehope | 0447 145 423
Vanessa Till | Minister Elliott | 0419 603 586