2015 AGM Minutes.final.markup - rslqld.org RSL (QUEENSLAND BRANCH) AGM MINUTES Page2%of%21! DAY$1$&$SATURDAY$20$JUNE2015.$Meeting$opened$at$0830.$ % 1. INTRODUCTIONANDWELCOME$ %...

2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

BRISBANE FRIDAY 19 JUNE – SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2015 TJ MEEHAN AM CHAIRMAN

LUKE TRAINI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

2015 RSL (QUEENSLAND BRANCH) AGM MINUTES Page 2 of 21

DAY 1 -‐ SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015. Meeting opened at 0830. 1. INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

RSLQ’s new vision -‐ “We Support You, the Military Family” 2. FALLEN COMRADES 3. FLAME CEREMONY – Mr Ray DeVere MC OAM and an ADF representative. 4. CONVENING OF MEETING

In accordance with the Returned Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Constitution, Convening of the AGM, Clause 6.1 and Notice of Meeting issued 13 February 2015, the 98th meeting of the Returned Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) is convened.

Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Retd), National President, RSL declared the Annual General Meeting of the Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) open at 8.55am.

5. Highlights from the address of The Hon. Senator Michael Ronaldson MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs:

Ø For the 2015-‐16 budget the Federal Government did not proceed with the proposal on indexation contained in the 2014 budget meaning DVA Pensions and DVA Supported Payments will continue to be indexed twice yearly;

Ø PTSD is a significant challenge for the Veteran community and also the wider community;

Ø 2015-‐16 Budget -‐ $12.1B allocated:

• $6.5B for income support and compensation • $5.5B for health care services • $88.7M for commemorations and the maintenance of war graves • The budget will support 316,000 veterans and dependents • The average spend on a DVA client is $40,650 per annum

Ø New initiatives:

• Additional funding of $10M to increase the number of dedicated case co-‐ordinators to improve service delivery to our clients with complex claims

• Additional funding of $700,000 for Veterans’ Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme • Additional funding of $3.7M for the Extension of Trial for In-‐Home Tele-‐Health for Veterans • Additional funding of $35.5M to commemorate the Anzac Centenary Program 2015-‐18 • $200,000 to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Pacific Day

Ø The Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 2016 will include a Service in

Canberra at the National Armed Forces Memorial and subject to final negotiations with the Vietnamese Government, conduct a commemorative mission to Vietnam;

Ø In 2016, the Federal Government will bring home the men from Terendak.

6. Highlights from the address of The Hon. David Feeney MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs:

Ø With only 50,000 veterans from WWII remaining the changing needs and priorities for an aging veterans’ population is at the forefront as is the increased operational deployment of the Australian Defence Force. There is an increasing number of younger veterans who pose new challenges for us all and it is vital to continue to understand the physical, mental and social needs of what is becoming an ever more diverse veterans’ community and these changes will impact the priorities and services of government;


Ø The provision of world class mental health services to our veterans and their families is a key responsibility and priority for any government and requires a long term commitment and investment;

Ø Building our future submarine fleet in Australia is essential to ensure that we have the marine

capabilities suited to our unique strategic environment as well as the ability to maintain, repair and sustain them;

Ø Funding for homelessness services for the veterans’ community has been extended until 2017.

7. ROLL CALL

Terry Meehan AM President John Strachan OAM Deputy President Ewan Cameron Vice President Roy Cunneen Pioneer-‐Fitzroy-‐Highlands Patrick Fairon Gold Coast Tony Ferris Sunshine Coast Max Foot OAM Western Victor Reading Brisbane North Peter Ryan Moreton Steven Sergeant North Queensland Peter Sterling RFD Far North Queensland Wendy Taylor South Eastern William Taylor Wide Bay & Burnett EX OFFICIO Luke Traini Chief Executive Officer SUB BRANCHES Airlie Beach-‐Whitsunday Allora Ashgrove District Atherton Babinda Banyo Bardon Beachmere Beaudesert Beenleigh & District Beerwah-‐Peachester Bell Biloela Blackall Blackbutt Boyne-‐Tannum Boonah Bray Park-‐Strathpine Bribie Island Bundaberg Burleigh Heads Burrum District Caboolture-‐Morayfield & Dist Cairns Cairns and District Ex-‐Service Womens

Calliope Caloundra

Cannon Hill Dist & Vietnam Services Canungra Capricornia & Rockhampton Region Inc

Cardwell Centenary Suburbs Charleville Chinchilla City-‐New Farm Clifton Cloncurry Cooktown Coolum-‐Peregian Cooroy-‐Pomona Coorparoo & District Crows Nest Currumbin/Palm Beach Dalby Darra & District Dayboro Chapter of Bray Park-‐Strathpine

Deception Bay Defence Service Nurses

Djuan Edge Hill/Cairns West Edmonton Eidsvold Emerald Emu Park Esk Ex-‐Servicewomen’s Farleigh & Northern Beaches Forest Lake Gatton Gayndah Gaythorne Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills

Aspley Gin Gin


Glasshouse Country Goodna Goombungee Goondiwindi Gracemere & District Grantham-‐Ma Ma Creek Greenbank Gympie Harlaxton Helidon Herberton Hervey Bay Highfields Holland Park-‐Mt Gravatt Home Hill Hughenden Innisfail Ipswich Ipswich Railway Kalbar Kawana Waters Kedron-‐Wavell Kenmore/Moggill Kilcoy Kingaroy/Memerambi Laidley Longreach Lowood Mackay Mackay Ex-‐Service Women Magnetic Island Malanda Malanda Maleny Manly-‐Lota Mapleton Mareeba Marian Maroochydore Mary Valley Maryborough Monto Moranbah Mossman Mount Isa Moura Mt Molloy Mt Perry Mudgeeraba-‐Robina Mudjimba Murgon Nambour Nanango NASHO CC National Servicemen’s North Gold Coast Nundah-‐Northgate Oakey Orchid Beach/Fraser Island Palmwoods & District Pine Rivers District Pittsworth Proserpine Proston Ravenshoe Redbank Redbank Plains Redcliffe Redland Bay South Redlands Rollingstone Roma Rosewood Runaway Bay Russell Island Salisbury Samford Sandgate Sarina Sherwood-‐Indooroopilly Southport Springwood Tri-‐Service St George St Helens (QLD) Stanthorpe Stephens Sunnybank Surfers Paradise Tamborine Mountain Taroom Tewantin/Noosa Theodore Tiaro Tin Can Bay Toogoolawah Toogoom and District Toowong Toowoomba Townsville Tramways Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Walkerston-‐Pleystowe Wallangarra Warwick Weipa Wondai Woodford Woodgate Beach Wynnum Yandina-‐Eumundi Yarraman Yeppoon Yeronga-‐Dutton Park

8. IN ATTENDANCE

Airlie Beach-‐Whitsunday Banyo Beachmere Beaudesert Beenleigh & District Biloela Blackall Blackbutt Boyne-‐Tannum Bray Park-‐Strathpine Bribie Island Bundaberg Cairns Caloundra City-‐New Farm Clayfield-‐Toombul Coolum-‐Peregian Coorparoo & District Crows Nest Currumbin/Palm Beach Deception Bay Emerald Emu Park Ex-‐Servicewomen’s Farleigh & Northern Beaches Forest Lake Gaythorne


Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley

Goodna Goombungee

Greenbank Harlaxton Hervey Bay Ipswich Ipswich Railway Kawana Waters Kedron-‐Wavell Kenmore/Moggill Laidley Lowood Mackay Ex-‐Service Women Maroochydore Mudjimba Murgon Nambour Nanango NASHO CC National Servicemen’s North Gold Coast Oakey Pine Rivers District Pittsworth Redbank Plains Redcliffe Redlands Roma Sandgate Sarina Sherwood-‐Indooroopilly Southport Springwood Tri-‐Service St Helens (QLD) Stanthorpe Stephens Sunnybank Surfers Paradise Tewantin/Noosa Theodore Tin Can Bay Toowoomba Townsville Walkerston-‐Pleystowe Warwick Wondai Woodford Yeppoon

9. OTHER RSL OFFICIALS AND STATE COUNCILLORS, VIPs, MINISTER, MPs, DEPARTMENTAL AND SERVICE

COMMANDERS G Avramovic Chief Operating Officer, RSL (Queensland Branch) M Bryant Executive Assistant, RSL (Queensland Branch) B Egan Marketing & Communication Manager, RSL (Queensland Branch) J Jones Human Resources Manager, RSL (Queensland Branch) A Payne Service Delivery Manager, RSL (Queensland Branch J Bryson President, State Council of Auxiliaries S Cameron CSC State Board Secretary, RSL (Queensland Branch) B Curl Solicitor, Williams Winter Solicitors P Davies Director, Mates 4 Mates J Davidson Chief Executive Officer, RSL (ACT Branch) R De Vere MC OAM Honorary Life President, RSL (Queensland Branch) R Dick State President, RSL (Tasmania Branch) M Dillman Principal, MacPherson & Kelley Lawyers Rear Admiral K Doolan AO RAN (Retd) National President, RSL National P Eveille State President, RSL (ACT Branch) D Feeney MP Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs G Fitzgerald Chairman, RSL (Queensland Branch) State Tribunal BRIG T Hanna AM State President, RSL (SA Branch) K Harry National Registrar, Veterans’ Review Board D Humphreys Principal Member, Veterans’ Review Board S Jackman Chief Executive Officer, RSL National Headquarters MAJGEN M Kelly AO DSC Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs J Langrehr Acting Chief Executive Officer, RSL (SA Branch) N Lincoln OAM Chief Executive Officer, RSL (Tasmania Branch) P McIntosh AM CSC Chairman, RSL Care MAJGEN D McLachlan AO (Retd) State President, RSL (Victoria Branch) D McManus-‐Smith OAM State Councillor, RSL (NSW Branch) P Murdoch Registrar, Repatriation Medical Authority MAJGEN C Orme AM CSC Deputy President, Repatriation Commission J Richards Brisbane Minute Taking & Stenography


J Robertson Consultant, Board Matters M Ronaldson MP Minister for Veterans’ Affairs S Sauer AM CSC Chief Executive Officer, Mates 4 Mates Profession N Saunders AO Chairperson, Repatriation Medical Authority M Sherlock Chief Executive Officer, RSL (NSW Branch) J Simpson Deputy Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs C Skelton Partner, BDO R White AM RFD State President, RSL (NSW Branch)

10. APOLOGIES

Gordonvale Sub Branch Nerang Sub Branch

11. MINUTES OF 2014 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

“That the Minutes of the 2014 Annual General Meeting at Townsville be confirmed.” MOVED: GOOMBUNGEE SECONDED: COORPAROO & DISTRICT

General Discussion: The delegate from the Malanda Sub Branch noted the decision at the 2014 AGM was to hold the 2016 AGM in Cairns however that decision had been changed to hold the AGM in Townsville without any discussion by the membership. The delegated stated the minutes needed to be amended to reflect the change. The Chair acknowledged the meeting did decide to hold the 2016 AGM in Cairns however for logistic reasons that was not possible. The Chair explained the RSLQ Corporate Events Staff contacted the Cairns Convention Centre immediately following the AGM however the venue was not available on the designated dates. The staff contacted the Pullman however the shape of the room restricted the view of the stage and the venue was not considered suitable. The staff also contacted the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal but that venue was not suitable for the dual purpose of the business session and the gala dinner. It was then determined the next suitable venue in North Queensland was Townsville. It was agreed the minutes were correct as the decision had been made to hold the 2016 AGM in Cairns, it was due to administrative processes that option was no longer available.

CARRIED

12. HOURS OF SITTING

“That the hours of sitting be 0830 hours to 1600 hours on Saturday and 0830 hours to 1000 hours on Sunday.” MOVED: IPSWICH RAILWAY SECONDED: SALISBURY

CARRIED 13. Highlights of address by Mr Craig Orme AM CSC, Deputy President, Repatriation Committee, Department of

Veterans Affairs:

Ø Changes to the way support is provided to Veterans is driven by three key objects:

o The need to respond to the changes of the economic, social, community and political environment in which DVA operates

o New possibilities presented by advancement of medical technology as well as the way services are delivered our services to the Veterans around the country and

o The need to anticipate and address the changing needs of our Veterans and their families


Ø For the broader public service one focus for the 2015-‐16 budget was the $254M investment in the digital transformation area including the establishment of a Digital Transformation Office. This will enable DVA to look at new technologies to improve client and telephony services whilst remaining sensitive to the needs of our veterans for that period;

Ø As at end of March 2015 the DVA had a reduction in the number of its clients from approx 400,000

clients to approx 320,000 clients representing a 17% reduction over a five year period highlighting the sad passing of our WWII cohort. This figure comprises 172,000 veterans with an average age of 65.3 years and 148,000 partners and dependents with an average age of 79 years. Looking forward we see that DVA’s client profile will continue to change over the next 10 years with a prediction of total number of clients will climb to approx 253,000 by 2020 and 216,000 by 2025 with a much smaller, younger client base, less DVA clients and a greater proportion of female veterans. DVA expect to see a growth in mental health accepted claims, particularly for PTSD and depression;

Ø Delivering effective mental health services for our veterans is a key priority for both Defence and DVA

both now and in the future. DVA is increasing its expenditure and will continue to improve the range of services available, spending approx $179M each year on mental health including funding for on-‐line mental health information and support, GP services, psychologist and social work services, specialist psychiatric services, pharmaceuticals, trauma and recovery programs, in-‐patient and out-‐patient hospital treatment together with services provided by the veterans and the Veterans’ Families Counselling Service are the key element of the DVA’s response to mental health delivery.

14. APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS AND SCRUTINEERS

“That the Annual General Meeting appoint Mr Chris Skelton, External Auditor as the Returning Officer and Mr Robert Dick, State President RSL (Tasmania Branch) and Mr Rod White AM RFD, State President RSL (New South Wales Branch) as the scrutineers.” MOVED: KEDRON-‐WAVELL SECONDED: MUDGEERABA-‐ROBINA

CARRIED 15. STATE PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT

“That the Chairman’s Report be received and adopted.” MOVED: STATE PRESIDENT SECONDED: BLACKALL

CARRIED 16. STATE DEPUTY PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Highlights from the Deputy President’s report:

Ø The 3rd paragraph of the report should read “post the departure of the CEO”, not “prior” Ø RSLQ Membership needs to be addressed Ø Sub Branches and Districts need to be thinking now about their plans to celebrate the Centenary of the

RSL in 2016.

MOVED: DEPUTY PRESIDENT SECONDED: ROLLINGSTONE

General Discussion: The delegate from the Southport Sub Branch referred to paragraph 6 of the last report “dissolution of the Districts to the North” stating they had it on advice a QC’s report had been received prior to the dissolution of the Districts that recommended the Districts be allowed to continue operations and make small amendments to the Constitutions and the advice was the Districts would heal themselves in a very short space of time. The delegate asked the Chair if this was correct. The Vice President stated this matter would be addressed in his report.

CARRIED


17. State Vice President’s Annual Report

Highlights from the State Vice President’s report:

Ø There have been several legal issues about Districts and the restructure of RSLQ;

Ø It has been a pleasure to visit people on the ground in the last 12 months to talk about your issues at a local level and bringing them back for discussion at Board level. Thank you to those people who invited me to their Sub Branches and Districts;

Ø The issue of abolition of Districts was a legal one. There were different legal opinions submitted. I am not refuting the fact that a report was received from a QC. There was also other advice the Board had to take into consideration. It was the Board’s determination that it would go down a track. At the 2014 AGM, the delegates were vaciprous and voluble in their expressions to the Board that they wanted the Districts reformed. However the Board’s greatest concern was that it had to be done in such a way that there was no liability on anybody who had performed a duty of an Executive position in the past or anybody who wanted to take up a new position in the new reformed Districts in the future. In the previous 12 months RSLQ has been through a lot of litigation, RSLQ were sued four times. The Board had to make sure that no-‐one was exposed to any liability and that has been achieved;

Ø The other decision that has concerned some people is the recent decision by Defence for the cadets about the carriage of weapons. The current policy is that the Defence will allow Cadet Catafalque Parties to carry Defence issued innocuous weapons.

“That the State President’s report be received and adopted.”

MOVED: VICE PRESIDENT SECONDED: GEEBUNG

CARRIED 18. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER’S ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2014

Highlights from the report:

Ø The 2014 financial statements are called Consolidated Financial Statements ie RSLQ in consolidation with Mates4Mates accounts;

Ø Major changes to RSLQ accounts: o RSLQ in its own right produced an $18M surplus for the year o There has been a significant income increase through RSL lotteries o The large increase in expenses is cost of sales through the properties from the Art Unions o There is also an increase in depreciation following a review of the depreciation schedules o During 2013/14 there has been major recruitment hence an increase of employee benefits. A

large portion of this expenditure comes from the IT areas with consultants charging market rates

o There has been a large increase for Maintenance and Property expenses for maintenance to all of our properties to ensure they are compliant and safe

o There has been an increase in the Loss and Disposal of assets from properties that RSLQ used to own for the Lotteries, those assets were seen as no longer usable and were sold resulting in a slight loss

o Donations and Welfare expenditure for 2013/14 is approx $8.5M with the largest donation being to M4M of $3.15M

o Investments in the Asset portfolio have increased

Ø M4M accounts: o The Profit and Loss shows the majority of income is RSLQ related o In 2013/14 M4M raised an additional $500K and that is changing the dependency on RSLQ

donations


o Of the $3.6M in expenditure, $1.2M is directly spent on adventure programs and $450K was spent on psychological services.

General Discussion: The delegate from the Southport Sub Branch asked the COO whether there was a policy at State Branch for grants to help Sub Branches stage big events. The COO explained from a policy perspective, if there were a request for a grant it would be a Board decision and if there were a request for reimbursement and it fitted within his delegation he would review the request.

The delegate from Gracemere & District Sub Branch referred to the M4M presentation and requested an explanation on why M4M had bad debts of $52K in 2013 and no bad debts in 2014.

Mr Stewart Cameron in his capacity of Director M4M advised the bad debts were not bad debts in the normal sense and were a reflection of donations made that were never followed through. Mr Cameron advised in 2013 when pledges were made, those pledges were put on the account and when the pledges were not received they were recorded as bad debts. Mr Cameron stated in 2015 the policy had been changed and pledges were only to be accounted for after the funds have been received.

The delegate for Manly-‐Lota Sub Branch noted the correctional figures for M4M for 2013/14 of $3.6M was recorded as donations yet the records showed just over $3M. The delegate requested the COO explain the difference and why the figures were altered and if it were necessary to alter them, he would expect a notation would be made by the accountant or the auditors. The COO advised some of the expenses for M4M in the first instance were taken under RSLQ accounts and when the RSLQ and M4M accounts were consolidated the expenses went across as a M4M expense rather than as RSLQ expense. The RSLQ External Auditor stated as a result of the consolidation of RSLQ and M4M accounts for the first time, there were some consequential amendments to comply with the consolidation accounting standards. The External Auditor noted the financial statements were stand-‐alone and the change was reflected in the actual financial statements which is accompanied by the report that the COO has prepared and from his point of view there was enough disclosure in the report. The delegate from Manly-‐Lota Sub Branch queried whether there had been due diligence on loans made that had not been paid for some time. The External Auditor advised they worked very closely with management on the loans, almost like a banking situation to check the security and whether the valuation is up to date. The delegate from Kedron-‐Wavell Sub Branch noted the employee benefits for M4M had risen from $480K to $1.9M without any explanation provided. The COO advised the real operation of M4M did not commence until midway through the year so it was not a full year expense from an employee perspective. The delegate from Kedron-‐Wavell Sub Branch noted there were no auditors’ fees disclosed. Mr Chris Skelton, External Auditor, BDO advised the accounting standards disclosure statement changed about five years ago and auditors were now not required to separately disclose their fees however for transparency BDO’s fees were approx $42K for the financial report and $9-‐$10K for the actual attendance at Lottery draws totalling approx $52K. The delegate from NASHO CC Sub Branch asked why the membership had not been given full disclosure of the financial situation of M4M and requested a hard copy of the presentation. The COO stated from a M4M perspective, the two slides presented were the M4M financial report and he would leave it to the Board to decide whether a hard copy of the presentation could be distributed.


A delegate from the Townsville Sub Branch commented that $350K had been spent on the Constitution with no result. The Vice President advised there were 260 legal entities in RSLQ that had to review their Constitutions and approx 200 were complete. That included the Sub Branch model rules, the District model rules and the on-‐going work for the State Constitution. “That the Chief Operating Officer’s Annual Report and audited Statement of Accounts for 2014 be accepted.” MOVED: Orchid Beach Fraser Island SECONDED: Maryborough

CARRIED

19. Highlights from the address of the National President, Mr Ken Doolan:

Ø Governance: o RSL National now have a Strategic Plan and a business plan in place o The second draft of the National Constitution for discussion at the National Congress has been

distributed.

Ø Advocacy: o The National President appears as a witness before the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal every

time possible to put forward a discussion on medallic recognition. Regrettably the Chair of that Tribunal narrowed the process of the investigation. We have not given up, will try once more

o The National President met with the Prime Minister on 2 March 2015 to discuss the indexation of Veterans’ Entitlements

o There was a great deal done by the RSL National in the lead up to the hearing by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal in November 2014 for what was billed as a “Workplace Remuneration Agreement” put forward on an agreed basis by both the Government and the Chief of the Defence Force. The outcome was what was predicted, not what was sought. At the National Board meeting in January the Board authorised the National President to put forward a press release telling the Government we thought they had got it wrong. On 4 March 2015 the Government went back to the Defence Force Tribunal and since then the pay for the members of the Australian Defence Force has been increased by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal

o Advocacy for the process of future salary increases continues.

Ø Communications o Continue to issue National President newsletters on the National website but acknowledge National

is lacking with internal and external communications o In accordance with the Strategic Plan, RSL National have approved the appointment of a National

Communications and Marketing Manager and hope to have that person in place by the end of July o RSLQ have given some assistance with an organisation to help in the meantime o RSL National have employed an expert in the area of social media to undertake a scoping study to

find out how best the RSL can get its message out to the young who operate in the social media space

Ø Commemorations and Celebrations o Introduction of the new Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Samantha Jackman o The Minister of Veterans’ Affairs have asked the RSL to help with the preparations, management and

co-‐ordination of the “Victory of the Pacific” on 15 August 2015. The major event will be in Queensland with a Black Tie Gala Dinner with a selection of veterans and war widows from those years in attendance

Ø RSL’s 100th anniversary to be held on 5 June 2016 in Melbourne. The theme for that gathering will be “The next 100 Years”.


20. NOMINATIONS FOR STATE PRESIDENT:

Mr Stewart Cameron CSC Mr Terry Meehan AM Mr William Taylor

A point of order was made by the District President, Sunshine Coast Region that the ballot paper contained the words “Deputy President”. Chair instructed delegates to delete the word “Deputy”.

21. INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT

The Chair of the Internal Audit Committee, Mr Peter Ryan provided the following highlights from his report:

Ø Two internal audits have been completed on the Acquisition, Maintenance and Disposal of Vehicles and Buildings within RSLQ;

Ø An external provider has been engaged to review RSLQ’s policies. An interim report has been received and will be discussed with the new CEO;

Ø An audit has been completed on the “Spirit of Mateship” yacht including the MOU, the acquisition of the yacht, the formulation of the program, the loan of the yacht to M4M and the financials. That report has been presented to the Board. There was an issue of conflict of interest in relation to the MOU where two people on RSLQ side signing the MOU were same two people on the M4M signing the MOU. The issue for the IAC was neither Board had been given that information or approval for that MOU to be signed. There were other issues within the scope relating to costs etc.

General Discussion: The delegate from the Southport Sub Branch referred to the first line in the IAC report – “the members resigned on a matter of principle” and queried what the matter of principle was. The Chair, IAC advised the matter was a personal issue and an access issue to documents. The Chair, IAC stated the Board now fully supported the IAC. The delegate from the Southport Sub Branch asked the names of the two people from the RSL and two people from M4M who signed the MOU. The Chair, IAC advised the Chairman of RSLQ, Mr Terry Meehan and the then CEO of RSLQ, Mr Chris McHugh signed for RSLQ. Mr Meehan as the Director of M4M and Mr McHugh as the Managing Director for M4M signed for M4M.

“That the Internal Audit Committee’s Annual Report be received and adopted.” MOVED: CHAIR, IAC SECONDED: LAIDLEY

CARRIED The RSL National President assumed the role as Chair of the meeting. The ballot papers were collected by RSLQ staff and handed to the Returning Officer to take charge of the counting of the votes. Mr Max Foot OAM, Director, RSLQ requested a comment be recorded that he thought it was appalling that for something so important as the election of our State President, that the electoral papers were not correct.

22. QUEENSLAND VETERANS’ SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT

Mr Peter Ryan, Chair, QVSAC provided the following highlights from his report:

Ø A Veterans’ Services Manager has been employed;


Ø QVSAC has reviewed and rewritten the policy in the way the volunteers are managed and have brought the volunteers in line with everyone else in RSLQ in compensation for travel;

Ø QVSAC has reviewed training delivery and developed refresher training focusing on up-‐skilling that has been approved by VITA;

Ø QVSAC has also focussed on a communication strategy linking our volunteers and paid people. RSLQ has

developed its own portals and it is hoped for the future that there will be one number available 24 hours a day in Queensland to allocate Pension Welfare people to those callers.

General Discussion: The delegate from the Townsville Sub Branch requested a copy of the correspondence from VITA be provided. The Chair, QVSAC undertook to distribute a copy of that correspondence to Sub Branches.

“That the Queensland Veterans’ Services Advisory Committee Annual Report be received and adopted.” MOVED: CHAIR, QVSAC SECONDED: BABINDA

CARRIED

23. VETERANS SERVICES ANNUAL REPORT

“That the Veterans Services Annual Report be received and adopted.” MOVED: DAYBORO SECONDED: BELL

CARRIED A sample of the questions from the floor to Mr Alan Payne, Services Delivery Manager: The delegate from the Harlaxton Sub Branch noted the report said there had been 11,866 actions. The Services Delivery Manager advised that number represented the number of activities ranging across all activities eg an appearance at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal through to a simple appointment of one hour or so. He also advised a new CRM tool is being developed and will be hopefully be available to the volunteers before the end of this year. He noted the CRM tool would be able to give an approximation of how many individuals who have been assisted.

24. TRIBUNAL ANNUAL REPORT Greg Fitzgerald, Chair, RSLQ Tribunal made the following observations:

Ø There are a lot of committee members at both Sub Branch, District and perhaps at Board level who are not fully familiar with the Constitutions and By Laws of the organisation. Mr Fitzgerald asked people who take on Executive positions of the organisation make themselves aware of what the requirements are in terms of what the Constitution says and how those responsibilities are fulfilled.

Ø There appears to be an increasing level of complaints coming to the Registrar of issues that fall outside

the Tribunal’s jurisdiction. Issues such as bullying, harassment and at times what maybe financial mismanagement bordering on fraud. If those issues are experienced, members had recourse through a number of avenues in the civil sector to address those issues. If there is any doubt, please seek assistance and guidance at the District Executive in the first instance. If not, the Registrar will provide advice but not necessarily accept the complaint for consideration by the Tribunal.

“That the Tribunal Annual Report be received and adopted.” MOVED: CHAIR, TRIBUNAL SECONDED: ROLLINGSTONE

CARRIED


25. LOTTERIES, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ANNUAL REPORT

“That the Lotteries, Marketing and Communications Annual Report be received and adopted.” MOVED: CHAIR, LOTTERIES, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SECONDED: BEACHMERE

CARRIED

26. LEGISLATION AND AWARDS COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT

“That the Legislation and Awards Committee Annual Report be received and adopted.” MOVED: CHAIR, L&A COMMITTEE SECONDED: MARIAN

CARRIED

General Discussion: The delegate from Ipswich Railways Sub Branch requested a copy of the policy mentioned in the Constitution in relation to setting up a Sub Branch. The Chair, L&A Committee advised he was unaware of any specific policy however the Sub Branches were set up by Districts and the District Secretary would provide assistance in this regard.

27. STATE COUNCIL OF AUXILIARIES

“That the State Council of Auxiliaries report to received and adopted.” MOVED: JOY BRYSON SECONDED: NORTHGATE

CARRIED

28. ANZAC CENTENARY COMMITTEE

Mr Max Foot OAM provided a verbal report as Chairman of the Anzac Centenary Committee:

Ø $2M has been allocated by State Branch to provide funding for activities for the Centenary of Anzac for the period 2015-‐2018;

Ø From the funding, approx $700K has been allocated to date;

Ø Applications for funding should be forwarded through your District Office.

29. SIR RAYMOND HUISH, CBE MEMORIAL GRANT

The Vice President advised this annual grant had been reviewed and the intent and purpose of the grant had been changed in accordance of By Law 10 to a one-‐off grant of $20,000 to be awarded annually at an Annual General Meeting. The grant is to fund a suitable project for the furtherance of rehabilitation and welfare of ex-‐service personnel who suffered from behavioural, mental or physical effects of military service. The Vice President advised two applications for the grant had been received this year but did not meet the intent of the new By Law, therefore the grant was not being awarded in 2015.


30. RESULTS OF THE STATE PRESIDENT NOMINATION

The National President, Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Retd) announced the results of the ballot as follows: “That Mr Stewart Cameron CSC be declared elected as the State President.” The Delegates approved the results by acclamation. The Chairmanship was handed back to the Chair of the meeting.

31. DESTRUCTION OF THE BALLOT PAPERS

“That the ballot papers be destroyed.” MOVED: GREENBANK SECONDED: GAYTHORNE

CARRIED

32. CONFIRMATION OF NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL PRESIDENT AND NATIONAL DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Chair advised two nominations had been received for the position of National President to be decided at the National meeting in September:

Rear Admiral K Doolan AO RAN (Retd) Mr Jock Statton

Chair confirmed the resumes of both nominees had been circulated to Districts and Sub Branches. On Day Two of the AGM the membership endorsed Rear Admiral K Doolan AO RAN (Retd) for the position of National President.

33. CONFIRMATION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“That the following District Presidents be confirmed as the Board of Directors:

R Cunneen Pioneer-‐Fitzroy-‐Highlands P Fairon Gold Coast T Ferris Sunshine Coast M Foot OAM Western V E Reading Brisbane North P Ryan Moreton S Sergeant North Queensland P Sterling RFD Far North Queensland Wendy Taylor South Eastern William Taylor Wide Bay & Burnett MOVED: CROWS NEST SECONDED: MUDGEERABA-‐ROBINA

CARRIED

34. CONFIRMATION OF THE DESTRUCTION OF BALLOT PAPERS FOR THE STATE PRESIDENT

Chris Skelton, Returning Officer confirmed the ballot papers for the State President had been shredded and witnessed by two people.


35. APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE AND CO-‐DELEGATE FOR NATIONAL

“That the delegate and co-‐delegate for National be the President as elected, Mr Stewart Cameron CSC and the Deputy President as elected, Mr John Strachan OAM.” MOVED: MARIAN SECONDED: TOWNSVILLE

CARRIED

36. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

“That BDO be appointed as the State Auditor for 2015.” MOVED: BANYO SECONDED: ROSEWOOD

General Discussion: The delegate from the Southport Sub Branch proposed an alternative auditor, RMW Accountants – Mr Barry Dinneen who had been a previous auditor of RSLQ be considered. MOVED: SOUTHPORT SUB BRANCH. This motion was not seconded. A delegate from the Samford Sub Branch queried why the election of the auditors did not go through an open tender process with a timeframe on the tender to ensure RSLQ is getting value for money. The delegate proposed that the membership did not actually vote on an auditor at this period of time and instead go through a proper tender process. Mr Max Foot OAM responded to this suggestion noting a couple of years ago, the membership asked to change the rotation of auditors because RMW had been there a long time. From that request, the staff were tasked to shortlist the people who had nominated for the position of auditor of RSLQ. Once that shortlist was put together, it was handed to the IAC who conducted a matrix on each of the candidates and then took the result to the Board. The Board voted on it and brought it here for the membership to vote on.

CARRIED 37. HIGHLIGHTS OF ADDRESS BY MR SIMON SAUER AM CSC, NEWLY APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF

MATES 4 MATES – “Support to the Wounded, Injured and Ill”:

Ø M4M is an initiative of RSLQ State Branch;

Ø M4M was established in 2013 as a separate Not For Profit company, limited by guarantee with a single member, that being RSL Queensland;

Ø M4M has its own Constitution, its own Board of Directors and its own charitable objectives that are

closely aligned with the objectives of RSLQ;

Ø The day to day operations of M4M are run independently to RSLQ;

Ø The primary purpose of M4M is to support the recovery of the wounded, injured and ill as well as their families, particularly the younger service men and women who may not feel an attraction to the RSL;

Ø M4M’s secondary purpose it to help secure the longevity of the RSL by attracting new and younger people who in due course will become members of the RSL;

Ø M4M needs to be wary of its audience, particularly as some who need its support, do not see the need to be aligned with the RSL;


Ø The CEO’s intent moving forward is to ensure M4M has a close working relationship at all levels with RSLQ;

Ø M4M offers four programs: psychological services, physical rehabilitation services, mentoring and career coaching and adventure challenges;

Ø M4M needs to be given the chance to develop into an organisation – it is only two years old;

Ø In the last 12 months M4M has grown from one location at Albion to having an office in Townsville and Hobart;

Ø The CEO oversees two key appointments: Manager – Program Delivery who runs the Family Recovery Centres and the Operations Manager who co-‐ordinates fundraising and marketing and adventure challenges;

Ø There are fifteen full-‐time employees and nine part-‐time employees with two vacancies and a number of temporary contracts to be secured or replaced;

Ø In 2015 M4M has 840 people being helped across the country. Three months ago, the average age of a Mate was 49. Now it is 43;

Ø In 2014: o 67 people participated in the Kokoda program o 27 people participated in the Equine Therapy program o 21 people participated in the Sea Kayaking program o 24 people participated in the Sailing program o 8 people participated in the Cycling program

Ø The “Spirit of Mateship” sailed this morning to a race in Noumea with seven mates on board. The yacht

provides great recognition and support of mates;

Ø In the future the CEO will focus on a communication strategy with our mates and raising the profile of the M4M brand;

Ø A copy of the M4M audited annual accounts will be uploaded to the M4M website;

Ø CEO provided an undertaking that the level of disclosure for the M4M financials will be broader and members will have access to that information;

Ø Priorities and way ahead: o A review of all programs including the operation of the Family Recovery Centres o A review of all adventure programs. The sailing program is subject to a signed agreement that is

due for renewal at the end of 2015. CEO will make recommendations to the Board regarding all programs

o Staff structures o An updated Strategic Plan that needs to include a growth strategy o Develop a multi-‐level communication strategy – the team, the Board, the Executive Staff

engaging with Anzac House and external engagement with sponsors and like organisations

Ø CEO advised he is happy to receive feedback although he pointed out some issues will need to be discussed board to board.


38. TRI-‐SERVICE REPRESENTATIONS:

Major Grant Prendergast – Australian Army: Presented “Plan Beersheba” Lieutenant Commander Mark Tandy – Australian Navy: Presented “Navy Today, Navy Tomorrow – Responsibilities, Equipment and Advances in Technology”, Operation Resolute Air Force Wing Commander Tim Anderson – Australian Air Force: “Today’s Air Force, Our Air Force”

39. HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESENTATION BY DR WENDY HARVEY, GALLIPOLI MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, GREENSLOPES HOSPITAL – “PTSD INITIATIVE”

Ø The goal of the research is to investigate the health of individuals with and without PTSD by making use of

the resources at the hospital, most notably with the Vietnam Veterans who have a strong association with the hospital, particularly the Keith Payne Unit;

Ø The research began with a number of specific objectives: o To gain a picture of the health status of Vietnam Veterans o To highlight the areas of that early intervention may be of benefit for returned servicemen and

women o To provide data and a knowledge base to inform future longitudinal studies of physical health of

individuals with and without PTSD;

Ø The recruitment goal of 300 participants has been achieved. By the end of this month all study visits will have been completed;

Ø Each of the 300 participants have undergone an extensive psychological assessment and a series of non-‐invasive medical tests that were designed to assess their physical health;

Ø Outcomes so far: o Trends start to emerge:

§ Sleep quality § Sleep behaviours § Sleep apnoea

o Starting to see differences between the two cohorts in: § Respiratory function § Gastrointestinal symptoms § Cardio vascular history § Personal relationships and support § Resilience § Alcohol dependence and smoking habits

Ø Summary:

o Our Vietnam Veterans’ cohort has highlighted the issues of sleep and respiratory function, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, resilience and coping mechanisms

o The need for on-‐going mental health education

Ø Going forward the plan is to finish the study, collect the results and present in a more complete fashion at the PTSD forum in Brisbane in September this year. Information will be submitted to medical journals, the community and medical providers, in PTSD mental health research in a contemporary veteran population;

Ø Further research will include working towards the development of a re-‐integration program for our contemporary veterans, the development of holistic health guidelines to consider all areas highlighted in the Vietnam Veterans’ study and also continue our exploration of genetics and bio-‐markers in PTSD.


40. FUTURE VENUES FOR AGM

“That the 2016 Annual General Meeting be moved to a venue other than Cairns due to logistical issues with all of the possible venues.” MOVED: SHERWOOD-‐INDOOROOPILLY SECONDED: GREENBANK

CARRIED

THE NOTICES OF MOTION WERE MOVED TO DAY 2 OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 41. HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESENTATION BY BEN O’DONNELL, YOUNGER VETERANS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Ø First meeting was held on 8 December 2014;

Ø Some ideas identified at the meeting: o Change the way the RSL is promoted and advertised in the media to inform the younger service

personnel in the ADF that the RSL is behind them and M4M o Develop a RSL app with no more than 3 clicks to access information o Work on an employment and replacement program when a person leaves the ADF. Have a forum for

employers and tell them what they will get from an ex-‐service person. If someone is having a hard week, let the employer come back to RSL or M4M and have someone step in so that person does not lose their job. Send someone from the Sub Branch to have a chat with the employee. Will save his job, his financial situation, his family life

o Maybe look at franchising a business eg landscaping or coffee for veterans. The return would go to the State RSL and then the RSL would pay the veterans. Maybe for someone on TPI who can only work a certain number of hours per week. Sometimes veterans like to work on their own and set their own rules – it would be successful

o The Bond University Scholarship – currently it is not going to service personnel dependents o A 24 hour hotline for ADF Personnel and families. Anything that happens after 5.30pm is handled by

the police and this does not help the person having the dispute. There is no good ringing Lifeline because they don’t get it

o On-‐postings – is there something we can have on an app for employment agencies for dependents so other members of the Defence family can look for employment before they arrive at their posting to help settle the families quicker

Ø The next meeting will discuss these ideas further and where to go from here and ask the RSL if they take one of these initiatives up if someone from the committee can be involved.

Day 1 -‐ adjourned at 1600. Day 2 – Sunday 21 June 2015. Meeting opened at 0830.

42. THE COUNCIL OF AUXILIARIES

The Chair informed the meeting Mrs Joy Bryson, President of the Council of Auxiliaries since its formation six years ago has stood down as President after six years of invaluable service to the league as of 19 June 2015. The new President is Mrs Lyn Glambrook.

43. NOTICES OF MOTION

The Chair handed the meeting to the Vice President, Mr Ewan Cameron. The Vice President read the motion and the rationale.

Motion 1: “That the amendments to the Constitution of RSL (Queensland Branch) State Constitution as marked up in the 15 April 2015 version be approved including the deletion and insertion of a new clause 6.3:


Nothing in clause 6.1 prevents RSL (Queensland Branch) from pursuing its charitable objects through the application of income or property or distributing its funds to any persons contemplated by the objects in rule 2.1.1 whether a member or not.” MOVED: BLACKALL SECONDED: GEEBUNG The Vice President noted as there were 47 changes to the Constitution, the L&A as directed by the Board, determined to put the motions as one block motion.

General Discussion: Mr Roy Cunneen, President, PFH District spoke for the motion noting the nature of the changes were grammatical and the previous Constitution did not take into account the new State or Federal legislation. Mr Cunneen noted Constitutions were evolving documents that change as required to reflect the circumstances of the day. Mr Cunneen advised he supported the motion on the basis that there was nothing untoward in the changes being made. The changes were cosmetic in reality and brought the Constitution up to date with State and Federal legislation. The delegate from the Southport Sub Branch spoke against the motion. The delegate stated he had been directed by his Board not to vote for the Constitutional changes as a block because of Clause 15.2 and 15.26 that says “The Board may also by ordinary resolution…..if, in the opinion of the Board…..” stating if that happened Sub Branches would be directed to pay our bills and then hand over our bank accounts and our property to Queensland Branch. The delegate from the Gatton Sub Branch pointed out the Notice of Motion on page 5 is different to the new clause on page 10, 6.3. Jenny Robertson, Board Matters advised it was the motion as written in the material, not the mark up in the Constitution. The Vice President re-‐read the correct motion. The delegate from the Sherwood-‐Indooroopilly Sub Branch spoke for the motion. The delegate from the North Gold Coast Sub Branch referred to Clause 12.3.11 on page 21 – “investigate any matter associated with RSL Branch) including:” noting there was nothing that said how the Queensland Board would be investigated. Jenny Robertson, Board Matters responded advising the comment around investigating the Board at State Branch, would be a matter for the National Constitution because ultimately State Branch is formed by the National League. The delegate from the North Gold Coast Sub Branch referred to page 36, Section 22 re the investigatory powers of RSLQ – under the old part “The investigating officer must promptly provide the Board with a detailed written report…..”. The delegate queried whether the person being investigated should be given a copy of the report in judicial fairness. The Vice President advised that under Administrative Law if an investigating officer is appointed in Queensland today he must be a licensed investigator and he has a set of rules to abide by and he must apply natural justice and procedural fairness. At the conclusion of his investigation he will give the respondent and the complainant their section and feedback. That way a complainant is able to access what he can have and the respondent can access what he is able to have and that will be in the terms of reference for every investigation. The Vice President advised the relevant clause is 10.10 -‐ “A service or life member may be nominated …….” So any member or life member is eligible to apply for those positions. The rotational system requires that everyone stand down at the end of every three years. It does not mean you cannot nominate yourself for re-‐election. The delegate from the Manly-‐Lota Sub Branch queried why was the Queensland Constitution being changed now when National is in the process of changing theirs and they anticipate it will be done shortly then State will have


to review its Constitution again and make alterations which in turn will flow through to Sub Branches and Districts. The Vice President acknowledged that was correct and had been considered noting there was no guarantee that RSLQ would have the applicable changes to the national Constitution for this AGM and some of these changes needed to be made now to comply with State legislation.

The motion failed.

Motion 2: The Vice President read the motion: “That the State Constitution Sections 7.1 and 7.2 be amended to remove the words ‘District Branch/District Branches’. The new section to read: 7.1 Sub Branches may appoint a Service or Life Member of that Sub-‐Branch as a Delegate. 7.2 A document appointing the Delegate must be in writing, in any form permitted by the Board, and signed by the District Branch or Sub Branch making the appointment.” MOVED: NORTH GOLD COAST SECONDED: MORETON

North Gold Coast Sub Branch provided the rationale.

General Discussion: Mr Roy Cunneen, District President, PFH District spoke against the motion noting the RSLQ Constitution provided for the provision of State Branches and District Branches, all of which have voting power. Delegates at the AGM represent the Sub Branches. District Presidents at the AGM represent the Districts. Sub Branches have the right to vote and District Branches have the right to vote. There are ten extra votes here over and above the delegates representing their Sub Branches. To deprive the Districts of the right to vote is reducing the potential number of votes by ten but also reducing the collective views of all of the Sub Branches in the District. Removing the authority to vote by a District has far more reaching effects by simply reducing the votes by ten. The delegate from the Manly-‐Lota Sub Branch noted Clause 7.2 said the document appointing the delegate must be in writing in any form permitted by the Board and signed by the District and if the motion was passed, the Sub Branch would be the only ones sending in the forms, they will be the only ones signing. The Vice President confirmed that was correct.

Motion failed. Motion 3: North Gold Coast Sub Branch: This motion is withdrawn.

Motion 4: The Vice President read the motion: Rules of Membership “That the rules of the Returned & Services League of Australia Qld Branch be changed to allow family members (eg: Brother, sister, father, mother, son or daughter) of current and ex serving members, to become full members of the QLD RSL.” MOVED: CABOOLTURE-‐MORAYFIELD & DISTRICT SECONDED: HELIDON The delegate from Caboolture-‐Morayfield & District spoke to the rationale. The delegate from the Gracemere & District Sub Branch advised he had been instructed by members of his Sub Branch to endorse the motion but the people taking their places be associate members. The State President RSL (Victoria Branch) addressed the meeting stating the existing National Constitution provides for affiliate members and they are the families of the people who have served. The re-‐write of the National Constitution has taken that out and will become part of the By Law to be able to support it. The delegate from the Theodore Sub Branch spoke against the motion.

The motion failed.

The Vice President stated he had been asked to put to the membership the need to revisit the motion to include Clause 6.3 in the Constitution to cater for the financial aspects of the Office of State Revenue Taxation Assessment Act. Motion: That there be a Notice of Motion for any meeting to include a new Clause 6.3. MOVED: SAMFORD SECONDED: THEODORE

CARRIED.

Vice President handed the meeting back to the Chair. Mr Stewart Cameron CSC addressed the meeting as the incoming State President. Mr Terry Meehan addressed the meeting as the outgoing State President. The Deputy President thanked Mr Vic Reading as the Interim Company Secretary for his efforts in organising the AGM. The Deputy President also thanked the RSLQ staff for a marvellous job.

44. CONCLUSION

The 2015 AGM was declared closed at 10:00.

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