The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has announced that Peter Tinley AM was formally elected as the new National President.
Peter Tinley AM replaces Major General Greg Melick AO RFD FANZCN KC (Retd), who has stepped down after six and a half years of leading the RSL.
Peter Tinley brings a distinguished record of service and leadership, as well as a deep commitment to the values of the RSL, to his new role. He has a unique combination of military service, business leadership, and extensive political experience.
He served 25 years in the Australian Defence Force, including 17 years with the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment. Rising from enlisted soldier to Major. He commanded at every level of the SAS up to Squadron Commander and, as an enlisted SAS member, attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon, where he was awarded the Queen’s Medal, and then undertook a second SAS selection course to return to the Regiment as an Officer.
His military service spanned Lebanon, Syria, Bougainville, Afghanistan and Iraq, and he served as the Deputy Commander of Special Forces Task Groups in Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9-11 terror attacks. In 2003, Peter Tinley was awarded the Order of Australia for strategic planning and leadership on warlike operations.
Following his military service, he served in the Western Australian Parliament for 15 years, where he held numerous, complex portfolios including serving as Minister for Veterans Issues, Housing, Asian Engagement, and Youth. He is currently Chair of the Veterans’ Transition Centre in Western Australia, a 70-bed facility supporting veterans at risk of homelessness. He has been an RSL member for more than 15 years and is a proud member of the Cockburn Sub-Branch in Western Australia.
Peter Tinley’s three-year term of office began immediately following the RSL’s Annual General Meeting today (16th October).
The RAR Corporations congratulates Peter and looks forward to working closely with him to achieve its veterans and their families advocacy goals.
