1.On 16 April 2010 the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, will join the President of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), Rear Admiral Ken Doolan (Retired), to launch an online sub branch, exclusively for serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, to improve their access to RSL venues, support and advice services.

2.Defence supports the launch of this resource which will ensure that our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women have access to improved support services across all aspects of their lives.

3.This is a positive initiative that will provide ADF members access to timely advice, assistance and information via a dedicated RSL enquiry website. The RSL has made a commitment to acknowledge enquiries via this site within a 24-hour period and to respond within five working days of receiving an enquiry.

4.In addition to improved support and advice, ADF members who join the sub branch will receive a membership card which ensures their access to all RSL sub branches and clubs nationwide; along with discounts on merchandise and services; and regular updates on RSL activities and events via emails and a quarterly magazine.

5.The RSL plays an important role in supporting our ADF members past and present. It exists to ensure that programs are in place for the wellbeing, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force members and their dependants.

6.Our commitments to ADF members are linked and Defence will continue to support like outcomes which benefit our people.

7.ADF members can join the online RSL Defence sub branch for free for the initial year of membership, with a $30 fee per year thereafter.

The sub branch website is: http://www.rsldefencesubbranch.com.au.

Major General

Head of People Capability/J1 Australian Defence Force

People Strategies and Policy Group