RSL Victoria chief executive officer Jamie Twidale stood down amid investigation

The chief of RSL Victoria highlighted an old Tinder profile in a staff email, before he was stood down amid an internal investigation.

Jamie Twidale has been stood down after being appointed RSL Victoria’s chief executive in December 2019.

The boss of RSL Victoria has been stood down amid an internal investigation.

Jamie Twidale — appointed the league’s chief executive officer in December 2019 — is on indefinite leave.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands there has been significant unrest about Mr Twidale’s suitability for the role, including allegations about his personal history.

He recently issued an email to staff about an old Tinder profile circulating on veterans forums, which he said sought to embarrass him and call his personal qualities into question.

It is not known if this is part of the internal investigation.

The Sunday Herald Sun is not suggesting any allegations made against Mr Twidale are true, only that he is the subject of an internal investigation.

RSL Victoria chief Jamie Twidale is the subject of an internal investigation.

RSL Victoria state president Rob Webster — in an all-staff email issued on Friday afternoon — said an acting CEO had been appointed “until further notice”.

“An independent investigation has been commissioned by RSL Victoria into matters surrounding the CEO,’’ Dr Webster wrote.

“The results of that investigation are being considered by the State Executive, and additional steps will be taken in accordance with RSL policy and procedures.

“We take any concerns regarding staff behaviour extremely seriously and ensure proper processes are followed.

“It would be inappropriate to make further comment while this process is underway.

“RSL Victoria is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive workplace.”

The Sunday Herald Sun is aware of ongoing turmoil within RSL Victoria.

It faced fierce criticism after this year’s Anzac Day parade was called off due to coronavirus concerns only to be reinstated with only a fraction of 8000 march registrations being applied for.

The RSL faced fierce criticism after this year’s Anzac Day parade was called off, then reinstated. Picture: David Caird

It has also been facing a financial crisis with an independent report last year declaring the organisation was at a tipping point.

The league is currently staging elections for the positions of state senior vice president and state vice president with results to be announced late next month.

Mr Twidale joined the RSL after an extensive career in the emergency services and 22 years in the army where he primarily served in the Combat Engineer Regiment.

His deployments included Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

Mr Twidale — who had been hailed an “outstanding candidate” for chief executive officer due to his leadership and innovation skills — said on his appointment the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of veterans and their families drew him to the role.

Chief operating officer Brian Cairns has been appointed acting chief executive officer.

Mr Twidale declined to comment.

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