RSL head John Haines lays Anzac wreath in defiance of government order

The stood-aside president of RSL NSW, John Haines, has defied a state government order to not participate in today’s Anzac Day commemorations.

The head of RSL NSW has defied a state government order to stay away from this morning’s Anzac Day dawn service in Sydney’s Martin Place.

John Haines, the president of the scandal-ridden organisation, is under investigation by the NSW Fraud Squad for allegedly inappropriate use of the charity’s funds.

In February the entire council was stood down as the investigation, sparked by allegations of credit card misuse by former president Don Rowe, continues.

NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott had urged RSL NSW council members to “do the right thing” and step aside from Anzac Day duties this year.

But Mr Haines laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Martin Place this morning.

John Haines (second from right) prepares to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Martin Place this morning. Picture: Bill Hearne

“I’m the state president of the RSL; of course it’s my duty and my obligation under the (charity’s) constitution,” he said.

“I’m very serious about what I do, and I have been vice-president for 20 years, and I believe that I carry out my duties to the best of my abilities.”

Mr Elliott has described Mr Haine’s defiance as “disappointing and a distraction”.

Joining the police probe into the NSW RSL is the charities watchdog and an independent audit firm.

Rob Stokes MP, Alan Wright, John Haines and Robin Tapp at Palm Beach RSL sub branch library.