An Illawarra-based former RSL NSW boss has welcomed historic reforms to the league, saying the changes will help get it “back on mission” and properly-focussed on veterans’ wellbeing.
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Gerroa’s Glenn Kolomeitz, himself a veteran, helped lift the lid on the league’s financial scandals after pushing for major audit of its spending habits in September, 2016.
Two years later, the NSW Parliament has passed reforms to RSL NSW legislation – following an inquiry into its fundraising activities.
Key changes include directors disclosing financial interests and the implementation of a representative voting system, which allows each member to vote for a new board of directors.
The representative voting will replace the current procedure in which the state’s 352 sub-branches each get one vote to elect members of the league’s governing body.
RSL NSW will also be required to table an annual report to the NSW Parliament.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward last week praised Mr Kolomeitz – the Labor candidate who ran against him at the 2015 election – for exposing the issues within the RSL.
“He was an opponent in terms of the political process but the RSL will benefit from his work for years and years,” Mr Ward, who is also the Illawarra’s parliamentary secretary, said during debate in the Parliament.
“He did everything he could to ensure that one of the largest charities in NSW reflected the interests of its members.”
Mr Kolomeitz said Mr Ward had “been a powerful voice for legislative reform of the RSL”.
“For that, generations of veterans and their families should be very grateful,” Mr Kolomeitz said.
“This legislation will help get the RSL back on mission and its resources properly applied to the wellbeing of veterans and their families.”