RSL Queensland State Congress Opening Ceremony 2026

Returned and Services League of Australia in Queensland, State President, Major General Stephen Day DSC AM (Retd); State Vice President, Mr Arran Hassell CSC; State Deputy President, Ms Wendy Taylor; CEO, Mr Robert Skoda; State Secretary Mr Iain Carty CSM; RSL National President, Mr Peter Tinley AM, and CEO, Mr Phil Winter AM CSC ADC; RSL sub-branch delegates and staff; distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

As Joint Patrons of the Returned and Services League of Australia in Queensland, Graeme and I are very pleased to join you once again for the Opening Ceremony of this annual Congress.

As always, this is a very busy day in the League calendar, but it is also important because it demonstrates clearly that the Queensland State Branch—now well into its second century—continues to evolve as a modern, relevant and responsive organisation.

Here in Queensland, that evolution continues to be guided by the ambitions of the 2030 Strategy, and Graeme and I again congratulate the Board and management, along with District Presidents and Sub-Branch members, on the steady and tangible progress made over the past year.

It is particularly encouraging to see a sustained and deliberate focus on the League’s three core pillars—care, commemoration and camaraderie—and the way in which these are being translated into practical support for veterans, serving members and their families right across the State.

And, on the topic of devotion to duty, this year marks the 125th anniversary of both the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy, and the 105th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force. 

Graeme and I have a deep respect for Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, reservists and their families, and we honour their remarkable service and sacrifice to our nation. 

That service is reflected not only in history, but in the lived experience of Defence communities today—communities that rely on organisations such as the RSL for connection, advocacy and support, particularly during times of transition and change.

Last August, we were honoured to attend the commemorative events in Townsville marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific.

And in November, Government House hosted Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence during their official visit to Brisbane for the centenary celebrations of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, of which she is Colonel-in-Chief. 

These occasions were meaningful not only for our State, but for the broader Defence community, and they served as powerful reminders of the enduring legacy of service across generations.

Importantly, the RSL’s commitment to supporting that community continues to grow in both scope and impact. 

One of the most pressing needs remains wellness—particularly mental health—and Graeme and I have been encouraged to see this sustained emphasis, particularly as the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide continue to be implemented across government, supported by the establishment of new national oversight arrangements, and in response to the challenges it highlighted for those transitioning from military to civilian life.

Equally important is the recognition that support must extend to all members of the Defence community, including those who may be struggling in less visible ways. Initiatives addressing the needs of incarcerated veterans, and the partnerships that support them, are a further example of how the RSL is responding with empathy, innovation and purpose.

These efforts speak directly to the strength of the organisation today—a strength built not only on history and tradition, but on relevance, responsiveness and a genuine understanding of the needs of contemporary ADF communities.

It is therefore very pleasing to see this reflected in continued membership growth and engagement across Queensland—clear evidence that the RSL’s mission continues to resonate strongly.

In officially opening the 2026 State Congress, I congratulate you on the progress achieved over the past year and thank you for all that you do to support Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families, and to honour the service and sacrifice that defines them.

Thank you.