New South Wales Branch - RSL

iINDEXSUBJECTPAGE1. Wreath Laying Ceremony 12. Arrival of Official Party 13. Silence in Memory of Departed Comrades 14. Pledge of Allegiance 15. Address and Official Opening of Congress by The Hon.Victor Dominello MP 16. Vote of thanks by Mr Don Rowe OAM, State President 17. State President’s Report 18. Address by The Hon. Warren Snowden MP 19. Vote of thanks by Dr. R. Bain, State Vice President Southern Country 110. Address by the National President, Mr. RADM K. Doolan, AO RAN (Rtd) 111. Vote of thanks by Mr J. E. Haines AM, State Vice President Metropolitan 112. Meritorious Service Medal Awards Presentation 113. State President’s Shield Presentations 114. Adjournment 115. First Working Session to commence at 1.30 pm on Tuesday, 29 th May, 2012 11st WORKING SESSION - TUESDAY, 29 th MAY, 2012- In Attendance 216. Address by Mr Paul McNab, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal 2- Attendance figures for First Working Session 217. Appointment of Timekeeper 318. Appointment of Tellers 319. Appointment of Scrutineers 320. Returning Officer 321. Appointment of Committees (Suspension) 322. Minutes of Annual State Congress 2011 323. Nomination – National Officers for Confirmation 4- Honorary State Treasurer’s Report 424. Annual Report 2011 for receipt and adoption 425. Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report 4MOTIONSSTANDING MOTIONS1. Membership Fees (State Council) 4

ii(i) CONSTITUTION2. Amendment to RSL NSW Governance Regulation (North Bondi) 53. State Council/District Council Conflict of Interest (North Bondi) (unendorsed) 54. Amendments to the RSL NSW Constitution (State Council) 62nd WORKING SESSION – WEDNESDAY, 30 th MAY, 2012- Congress resumed 9- In Attendance 9- Address by Senator Michael Ronaldson, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs 9- Attendance figures for The Second Working Session 10- Congress Running Minutes 10(i) CONSTITUTION5. Amend RSL NSW Constitution Clause 34.4 (j) (i) (North Bondi) 106. Amend RSL NSW Constitution Clause 34.4 (j) (ii) (North Bondi) 10(iv) SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAX8. Pension Discount (Bowral) 11(v) DEFENCE SERVICE HOMES(vi) RSL NSW9. State Council Regional Representation (Grafton) 11- Address by Mr Tom Barnsley, State Co-Ordinator RSL Day Clubs 11(ii) RSL NATIONAL CONSTITUTION(iii) VETERANS’ AFFAIRS MATTERS7. Gold Card for Remaining WWII Veterans (Cessnock) 12- Veterans’ Affairs Forum 12- Presentation to Professor Ken McDonald AO, Chair, Repatriation Medical Authority 12- Address by Sgt Shaun McGill of the Younger Veterans’ Forum 123rd WORKING SESSION – WEDNESDAY, 30th MAY, 2012- Congress resumed 12- In Attendance 12- Address by MAJGEN David McLachlan AO (Rtd), State President, Victorian Branch 12- Address by Mr Terry Meehan, State President, Queensland State Branch 12- Address by Mr Jock Statton OAM, State President, South Australia State Branch 12- Attendance figures for Third Working Session 12

iii(vi) RSL NSW10. Sub-Branch Executive Term of Office (Northern Metropolitan District Council) 1311. New Class of Membership (Castle Hill) 1312. Life Subscriber Membership (Far Western Metropolitan District Council) 13- Announcement Annual State Congress 2013 – 15 Coffs Harbour 1313. Memorandum of Understanding (Forestville) 1314. Honorary Membership (Auburn) 1415. Review Committee for New Constitution Documents (Far North Coast District Council) 14(vii) ANZAC, COMMEMORATION, CEREMONIAL AND MEMORIALS16. RSL Priority for Service Records (Rose Bay) 14(xiii) AGED CARE IN THE VETERAN COMMUNITY17. Mobile Scooter Parking (Bomaderry) 1518. Retail Leases Act 1994 (North Bondi) (Suspension Committee) 1519. Persons conducting a business or undertaking (State Council)(Suspension Committee) 15- Report by Mr W. Harrigan, State Councillor regarding CCWA Congress 16- Destruction of ballot papers 16CONCLUSION1. Congress 2012 Running Minutes 162. Appreciation 16- Vote of thanks to the President and Directors of Rooty Hill RSL Club, the ClubGeneral Manager and staff: to the President and Members of Rooty Hill RSL sub-Branch 163. Congress 2013 Dates 16- Closure 16

2STATE CONGRESS 20121 st WORKING SESSION – TUESDAY, 29 th MAY, 2012Congress resumed at 1.30pmMr. D.E.J. Rowe OAM, State President, in the ChairIN ATTENDANCEMr Mark BowenMrs Patricia CampbellMr John Cannings OAMMrs Jennifer CollinsMrs Thelma Crawley OAMRADM Ken Doolan AO RAN (Rtd)Mr Colin LittleHon. Charlie LynnMrs Robin McKinnonMAJGEN D. McLachlan AO (Rtd)Mr Paul McNabMr Terry MeehanMr Derek Robson AMMr Jock Statton OAMMr Hadyn WhiteMs Mosika Zeid- Bowen Legal- Chief Executive Officer, War Widows Guild of AustraliaNSW Limited- Senior Honorary Legal Adviser, PricewaterhouseCoopersLegal- Deputy Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs- President, RSL Central Council of Women’s Auxiliaries- National President, RSL of Australia- PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal- Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans’ Affairs- State Secretary/Treasurer, RSL Central Council of Women’sAuxiliaries- State President, RSL Victorian Branch- Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal- State President, RSL Queensland Branch- National Secretary, RSL of Australia- State President, RSL South Australia Branch- Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner DVA- PricewaterhouseCoopers LegalMr John Cannings OAM, Senior Honorary Legal Advisor invited Mr Paul McNab, Partner,PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal to address Congress on the Review of the Income Tax Complianceof sub-Branches.Mr Chris Perrin, State Secretary advised that the attendance figures for the First Working session were:Delegates 228State Councillors 14A total attendance figure of 242 as registered in the attendance register.

3Appointment of TimekeeperResolved:“That Mr Ray Steer be appointed as Timekeeper.”CARRIEDAppointment of TellersResolved:“That Messrs I. Henderson, L. Manning, B. Burges, J. Clegg and B.M. Speery beappointed as Tellers.”CARRIEDAppointment of ScrutineersResolved: “That Messrs G. Mason, D. Green, B. Glover, G. Salmon, B. Metcalf and Ms P.Richardson be appointed as Scrutineers.”Returning OfficerCARRIEDIn accordance with The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) Constitution,sub-Clause 18.8 , Mr C.P. Perrin is confirmed as Returning Officer.Resolved:“Mr C.P. Perrin, State Secretary, Returning Officer as noted.”Appointment of Suspension CommitteeResolved: “That Messrs J. Diews, B. Boughton, N. Keogh, B. Stewart, K. Craddock and J.Mathers be appointed.”CARRIEDMinutes of the Annual State Congress 2011Resolved:“That the Minutes be adopted.”CARRIED

4Nomination – National Officers for ConfirmationNational President - RADM Ken Doolan, AO RAN (Rtd)Deputy National President - Mr Don Rowe OAMNational Treasurer - Mr David SinclairNational Solicitor - Mr Brian LoftusNational Trustee - Mr Donald Porter DFCResolved:“That the nominations put forward be approved.”Honorary State Treasurer’s ReportCARRIEDThe Chairman invited Mr R. D. White AM RFD, Honorary State Treasurer to give the Treasurer’sReport.Resolved:“That the Honorary State Treasurer’s Report be received and adopted.”CARRIEDAnnual Report 2011 for receipt and adoptionResolved:“That the Annual Report for 2011 be received and adopted.”CARRIEDFinancial Statements and Auditor’s ReportResolved:“That the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report be received and adopted.”CARRIEDMOTIONSSTANDING MOTIONS1. State CouncilMembership fees“That in accordance with RSL NSW Constitution – Clause 16.7 & By-Law No. 2 – item 43– that the annual subscription for 2013 be $30.00 and that the breakdown for the annualsubscription be as follows:Capitation fee to RSL NSW be $20.00Capitation fee to RSL National be $5.00and the retention fee to RSL sub-Branch be $5.00.”CARRIED

5(i) CONSTITUTION2. North Bondi (Eastern Metropolitan)Amendment to RSL NSW Governance Regulation“That The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) GovernanceRegulation Chapter 4, Annex B (Form of Welcome to New Members) be amended to insert thewords:(1) “…serving members and…”in the sentence “It is also your duty as a member of The League to work for the benefit of all exservicemenand women and their dependents, to guard their good name and to perpetuate the tiesof comradeship created in military service between the words “…all…” and “…exservicemen…”.Thus the amended sentence should read: “It is also your duty as a member of The League to workfor the benefit of all serving members and ex-servicemen and women and their dependents, toguard their good name and to perpetuate the ties of comradeship created in military service.”CARRIED BY A CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY3. North Bondi (Unendorsed)State Council/District Council Conflict of Interest“That The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch)Constitution, Clause 15 be amended to insert the following sub-Clause 15.8:1. No person shall simultaneously hold the Office of Delegate or Alternate Delegate onany District Council of RSL sub-Branches and the Office of State Councillor. If aperson who holds the Office of either a Delegate or Alternate Delegate on any DistrictCouncil is elected as a State Councillor, they shall immediately resign their position asDelegate or Alternate Delegate.2. This change shall be effective on the rising of the 2012 Annual State Congress.”Congress resolved that the motion be heard.LOST BY FAILURE TO MEET A CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY

64. State CouncilAmendments to the RSL NSW Constitution(i). “That the Constitution of The Returned and Service League of Australia (New SouthWales Branch) be amended to allow Affiliate membership by the following changes:-Remove sub-Clause 3.1 and insert new sub-Clause 3.1 to read:“3.1 A person may become a Member by being admitted in one of the following classesof membership:(a) Service Member in accordance with this Constitution;(b) National Member in accordance with this Constitution and the NationalConstitution; or(c) Affiliate Member in accordance with this Constitution.”(ii) “That the Constitution of The Returned and Service League of Australia (NewSouth Wales Branch) be amended to allow Affiliate Membership by the followingchanges:-Remove sub-Clause 3.2 and insert new sub-Clause 3.2 to read:“3.2 All Service Members and National Members have equal status in RSL NSW as setout in the Constitution. Affiliate Members will have conditions placed on theirmembership as detailed in the By-Laws.”(iii).“That the Constitution of The Returned and Service League of Australia (NewSouth Wales Branch) be amended to allow Affiliate Membership by the followingchanges:-Add the following to Clause 44 – Definitions:“Affiliate Member” means a person that has been admitted as an Affiliate Memberof RSL NSW in accordance with this Constitution & By-Laws.”Amendments to RSL NSW By-Laws(iv). “That By-Law 1 of The Returned and Service League of Australia (New South WalesBranch) be amended to allow Affiliate Membership by inserting new items 12, 13 &14 and including outline design of Affiliate Badge as follows:-AFFILIATE BADGE“12. Each Affiliate Member will, on payment of their first Annual Subscription, beissued a Badge free of any additional charges.13. Affiliate Members must comply with protocols for Badges as described in thisBy-Law.

714. Affiliate Members may wear the prescribed badge for that type of membership. Thebadge must only be obtained from RSL NSW and is depicted below.”Badge of an Affiliate Member(i)(v). “That By-Law 2 of The Returned and Service League of Australia (New SouthWales Branch) be amended to allow Affiliate Membership by amending item 1(c)and by inserting new items 56 to 70 as follows:-“1(c)RSL NSW has jurisdiction over all Service Members and Affiliate Members and shallhave jurisdiction over all National Members who are Service Members in respect toany matter relating to, or affecting, RSL NSW.”AFFILIATE MEMBERS OF RSL NSW56 Membership is only available in NSW sub-Branches that are registered withNSW RSL and that they accept the class of Affiliate Member.57 Affiliate Members shall carry out and further the Objects of the League in thesame manner as a Service Member.58 Affiliate Members shall have a separate badge to the League (Service & NationalMembers) and shall be in such form as the New South Wales State Congressdetermines. Each RSL Affiliate Member shall, on payment of the first annualsubscription, be issued with a badge, provided by RSL NSW, as part of their annualsubscription.59 No person who is eligible for Service Membership of the League shall be admittedas an Affiliate Member.60 Persons who are eligible to become an Affiliate Member must be eighteen year age orover or older and comply with the followingis a person who is any relative of a person (living or deceased) who is or was eligibleto be a Service or Life Member of the League (proof of eligibility to be provided to thesub-Branch);

968 RSL NSW shall pay annually, in relation to an Affiliate Member, to the League atthe same time as it pays its capitation fees, a fee in respect of each AffiliateMember, equal to the amount of the capitation fee set by National & State Congressfor that year.69 All Annual Subscriptions must be paid:(a) for new Affiliate Members, at the time of approval of their membership; or(b) for all continuing Affiliate Members, on or before 1 January of each year.70 If a continuing Affiliate Member fails to pay their Annual Subscription for afinancial year on or before April 30 of that financial year, they will cease to bean Affiliate Member.”CARRIED BY A CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITYCongress adjourned at 3.47 pm2nd WORKING SESSION – WEDNESDAY, 30 th MAY, 2012Congress resumed at 9.03amMr D.E.J. Rowe, OAM, State President, in the ChairIN ATTENDANCEMr Ian Campbell PSMMr Shane CarmodyMrs Jennifer CollinsMrs Thelma Crawley OAMMr Doug HumphreysMAJGEN Mark KellyProf. Ken McDonaldMAJGEN David McLachlan AO (Rtd)Mr Terry MeehanMr Darren MitchellSenator Michael RonaldsonMr Jock Statton OAMMr Hadyn White- Secretary DVA- Deputy President, Repatriation Commission- Deputy Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs- President, RSL Central Council of Women’s Auxiliaries- Principal Member Veterans’ Review Board- Commissioner, Repatriation Commission- Chair, Repatriation Medical Authority- State President, RSL Victorian Branch- State President, Queensland State Branch- Director Veterans’ Affairs NSW- Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs- State President, RSL South Australia Branch- Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner, Dept. ofVeterans’ AffairsSenator Michael Ronaldson, Shadow Minister of Veterans’ Affairs was invited to address Congress.

10Mr Chris Perrin, State Secretary advised that the attendance figures for the Second Working session were:Delegates 201State Councillors 14A total attendance figure of 215 as registered in the attendance register.“That the Running Minutes of Congress pages 1 – 3 inclusive as displayed on the floor bulletin boardsbe confirmed as correct wording.”(I) CONSTITUTION5. North Bondi (Eastern Metropolitan)Amend RSL NSW Constitution Clause 34.4 (j) (i)CARRIED“That The Returned and Services League of Australia New South Wales Constitution,Clause 34.4 (j) (i) be amended to read:make a donation or gift of $7,500 or more and may not make donations or gifts totalling$60,000 or more in any one calendar year.”LOST BY FAILURE TO MEET A CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY6. North Bondi (Eastern Metropolitan)Amend RSL NSW Constitution Clause 34.4( j) (ii)“That The Returned and Services League of Australia New South Wales Constitution,Clause 34.4 (j) (i) be amended to read:incur an expense of $25,000 or more on any single item, activity or event and may notincur expenses totalling $60,000 or more in any one calendar year.”LOST BY FAILURE TO MEET A CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY

11(iv) SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAX8. Bowral (Central Southern)Pension Discount“That The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) lobbythe New South Wales Government to;A. Increase the pension discount of $250.00 per annum for land rates and $28.80 quarterlyrebates on both water and sewage chargesB. Apply these rebates to all holders of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Cards.”CARRIED(v) DEFENCE SERVICE HOMES(vi) RSL NSW9. Grafton (North Coast)State Council Regional Representation“That The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) adoptthe proposal to amend the Constitution to adjust the role of State Councillor to reflectsmaller areas of control in order to provide further information; that is to revert to theprevious system of regional representation.”LOSTMr Tom Barnsley, State Co-Ordinator RSL Day Clubs and other RSL Day Club representatives addressedCongress on the RSL Day Club movement.ii) RSL NATIONAL CONSTITUTION(iii) VETERANS’ AFFAIRS MATTERS7. Cessnock (Hunter Valley)Gold Card for Remaining WWII Veterans

12“That RSL NSW request RSL National to lobby the Federal Government to award the Gold Cardto the remaining WWII Veterans who served or were prepared to serve their country at the timeof war.”CARRIEDThe State President, Mr Don Rowe, OAM, advised Congress that there would now be a DVA Forum.Professor Ken McDonald AO, Chair, Repatriation Medical Authority was presented with a State CouncilCertificate of Appreciation.Sgt Shaun McGill of the Younger Veterans’ Forum addressed Congress.Congress adjourned at 12.17 pm3 RD WORKING SESSION – WEDNESDAY, 30 th MAY, 2012Congress resumed at 1.35 PMMr D.E.J. Rowe, OAM, State President, in the ChairIN ATTENDANCEMr Derek RobsonMAJGEN David McLachlan AO (Rtd)Mr Terry MeehanMr Jock StattonMr Hadyn WhiteMrs Thelma Crawley OAM- National Secretary RSL of Australia- State President, RSL Victorian Branch- State President, Queensland State Branch- State President, RSL South Australia Branch- Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner, Dept. ofVeterans’ Affairs- President, RSL Central Council of Women’sAuxiliariesMAJGEN David McLachlan AO (Rtd), State President Victorian Branch addressed Congress.Mr Terry Meehan, State President Queensland State Branch addressed Congress.Mr Jock Statton OAM, State President South Australia State Branch addressed Congress.Mr Chris Perrin, State Secretary advised that the attendance figures for the Third Working session were:Delegates 195State Councillors 13A total attendance figure of 208 as registered in the attendance register.

13(VI) RSL NSW10. Northern Metropolitan District Councilsub-Branch Executive Term of Office“That the State Branch of The Returned and Services League of Australia (New SouthWales Branch) change the term of office for the Executive Members of sub-Branches fromthe current one year to three years to align them with State Branch and District Councilsas from the next Congressional Elections.”Amended Motion“That the State Branch of The Returned and Services League of Australia (New SouthWales Branch) change the term of office for the Executive Elected Committee Members ofsub-Branches from the current one year to three years to align them with State Branchand District Councils as from the next Congressional Elections.”11. Castle Hill (Far Western Metropolitan)CARRIED AS AMENDEDNew Class of Membership“That The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) in accordancewith the terms of the RSL National Constitution, accepts Affiliate Membership for sub-Branchesthat elect to have this membership category.”WITHDRAWN12. Far Western Metropolitan District CouncilLife Subscriber Membership“That the Council of the Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch)at the rising of Congress 2012, re-instate the “LIFE SUBSCRIBER” Membershipavailability.”CARRIEDMr Chris Perrin State Secretary, as Returning Officer, announced that the Annual State Congresswill be held for the next three years in Coffs Harbour at the Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club.13. Forestville (Manly Warringah Pittwater)Memorandum of Understanding

14“That the State Council provide an explanation to Congress, justifying their actions andreasons for their unanimous endorsement of the Draft Memorandum of Understandingwith the Veterans Association of Vietnam (MOU) at the State Council Meeting of 19 thAugust 2011, without referring such a sensitive matter to the general membership via thesub-Branch network.”LOST“That the Running Minutes of Congress pages 4 – 10 inclusive as displayed on the floor bulletin boardsbe confirmed as correct wording.”14. Auburn (Western Metropolitan)CARRIEDHonorary Membership“That RSL NSW request RSL National to offer serving members of the Australian DefenceForces honorary membership of the RSL while they are in the services.”LOST15. Far North Coast District CouncilReview Committee for New Constitution Documents“i. That RSL NSW form a working party to review the Constitution, By-Laws andRegulations and amend the errors contained therein andii. That such working party consist of members of sub-Branches and be chaired by a StateCouncillor andiii. The working party call for submissions from all sub-Branches for errors which havebeen identified andiv. The results compiled into a list of changes to be made by State Council or the 2013State Congress as appropriate.”CARRIED(vii) ANZAC, COMMEMORATION, CEREMONIAL AND MEMORIALS16. Rose Bay (Eastern Metropolitan)RSL Priority for Service Records

15“That RSL NSW lobby the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the AustralianGovernment National Archives to give priority to all requests for military service recordsfrom RSL sub-Branch Welfare and Pension Officers as these records are necessary andinvaluable when preparing for and delivering an RSL funeral service.”WITHDRAWN(xiii) AGED CARE IN THE VETERAN COMMUNITY17. Bomaderry (Central Southern)Mobile Scooter Parking“That The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) lobbygovernments at all levels of Federal, State, Regional and local to provide mobile scooter parkingfor the disabled in areas under their control and that the RSL lead the way by ensuring thatspecific type parking is provided at all RSL Clubs and other sites where the RSL has influence.”(VI) RSL NSWLOST18. North Bondi RSL sub-Branch (Suspension Committee)Retail Leases Act 1994“That Returned & Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) lobby the NewSouth Wales State parliament to amend the Retail Leases Act 1994 in order to exemptcharitable organisations, including but not limited to the Returned and Services League ofAustralia, its New south Wales Branch, District Councils, sub-Branches and its subsidiariesthereof, from the ACT.”CARRIED19. State Council (Suspension Committee)Persons Conducting A Business Or Undertaking1. “That RSL NSW State Branch accepts any request from RSL NSW sub-Branches totransfer the management of RSL sub-Branch employees and charge back to the RSLsub-Branch all expenses involved in managing such employees.”2. “That all RSL sub-Branches that employs staff advise RSL NSW StateBranch whether they wish to remain a PCBU or not.”WITHDRAWN

16Mr Bill Harrigan State Councillor, in his capacity as a C.C.W.A. Liaison Officer, gave a report toCongress on the recent RSL C.C.W.A. Congress held in Dubbo.Congress moved a vote of thanks to the members of the Women’s Auxiliaries for their fundraising efforts.CARRIED UNANIMOUSLYMr Chris Perrin, State Secretary, requested permission of Congress to destroy the ballot papers.CARRIED1. Congress 2012 Running MinutesCONCLUSION(a)That the Running Minutes of this Congress up to and including page 14 asdisplayed on the floor bulletin boards be confirmed as correct wording.CARRIED(b)Copies of completed minutes be forwarded to all sub-Branches and DistrictCouncils during the next eight weeks.CARRIED2. Appreciation(a)Thanks to the President and Directors of Rooty Hill RSL Club, the General Managerand Staff.CARRIED(b)Thanks to the President and members of Rooty Hill RSL sub-Branch.CARRIEDCLOSUREThe Chairman declared the 2012 Annual State Congress closed at 3.52 pm on Wednesday, 30thMay, 2012.NEXT CONGRESSTuesday 28 th and Wednesday 29 th May 2013.