I have reviewed the new 'draft' constitution and it is best described as a streamlined, plainer English version of the existing constitution. Last year's clear rejection of the draft constitution has resulted in a new draft that sees the massively unpopular sub-branch models A and B removed. We now have the option to keep running our sub-branches as we currently do with an executive committee and trustees or we can 'incorporate' if we wish and have much of the administrative burden going to state branch. Whichever way a sub-branch was to go I note that state branch is already delivering on its promise to roll out governance training and advice for sub-branches. Last year's draft sought to have a vote of 75 per cent of delegates at a congress required to change a constitution however the new draft winds it back to 66 per cent.

Some of the language from last year's draft that was considered 'heavy handed' such as "the board will control and direct" has been softened to read "govern and regulate". I note that there is still some language in the new draft that will need to be softened. A clause that says ''an RSL NSW Member is to comply with any request or notice issued by RSL NSW or board under this constitution" may be too directive for members to stomach. Most of the changes in the new draft constitution apply to state branch and the board and impact little on us at the coal face. Importantly, it is streets ahead of last year's failed attempt at constitutional reform.

By-laws will now be replaced with standard operating procedures, however just what the difference is remains to be seen. With a few tweaks and input from sub-branches this draft is likely to be accepted at the October RSL State Congress this year. Members of the RSL should visit their local sub-branch office or attend their monthly meetings if they would like to be a part of the introduction of their new constitution.

It is with much relief, particularly to smaller sub-branches around the state, that the fundraising ban has now been lifted. Many sub-branches, including Nambucca Heads, have applied for the re-issuing of their charitable fundraising authority through Fair Trading NSW.

It is unlikely that there will be significant changes to methods of fundraising and now the RSL Auxiliaries, who are the fund raising arms of sub-branches lucky enough to have an auxiliary, are now out of the limbo the ban placed them in and can get back to business as usual.

Although it is disappointing, it is not hard to understand why James Brown has resigned from his position as President of RSL NSW, effective from July 1 2019. In some respects his departure adds more fodder to those that have built a distrust and disrespect for state branch.

More turmoil when the league needs it the least. In a perfect world it would have been better to see Mr Brown ride out his position until at least a new constitution was in play and the RSL across the state had returned to 'business as usual'. On the other hand, he has had stewardship of the RSL during the most unsteady period in its 102 years of existence. During this period James Brown was working as a volunteer and has not been able to work at professional employment. He points out that this is unsustainable for a veteran with a young family in the long term.

It has been widely reported that Mr Brown has resigned so he can apply for the paid position of Chief Executive Officer of RSL NSW meaning he may still remain key figure in the state's veteran community.

I consider the legacy of James Brown's time at the helm will be an improvement in the standards of governance and professionalism in the way RSL NSW is administered and this will not allow the disgraceful behaviour of some of the previous leaders of RSL NSW to be repeated.

When the dust settles on events of the past few weeks let's hope that there is some long overdue smooth sailing for the RSL in NSW and that the organisation gets on with what it is supposed to be all about, and that is caring for veterans of the Australian Defence Force and their families.

Lest we Forget.

About the author: Mick Birtles is a recently retired Army Officer now living in Nambucca Heads. During his 36-year career, Birtles served in Bougainville, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership. Here he shares his interest in the welfare and well-being of veterans on the Mid North Coast.