Veterans’ shock as RSL moves to sell aged care homes
RSL Victoria has been slammed by veterans for plotting to sell off its aged care accommodation, leaving more than 700 residents in limbo. So why is the organisation trying to offload the popular network?
VIC News
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RSL Victoria is pushing to sell off its aged care network in a surprise decision causing angst among members, elderly residents and RSL branches.
The veterans’ organisation wants to offload RSL Vasey Care which looks after more than 700 residents in five homes and eight independent living units across Melbourne, as well as provides home support for another 150 seniors.
RSL branch presidents slammed the move, coming just days before Anzac Day and at a time of economic uncertainty.
Vasey Care chief executive Janna Voloshin has broken ranks with RSL head office, launching a campaign to prevent the sale.
“We cannot comply with the directive (to sell),’’ Ms Voloshin said.
“It is not in the best interests of current and future generations of veterans. They require a trusted organisation with the strength and expertise to continue to deliver the direct care, housing and social support they need.’’
Vasey Care was established in 2004, a joint project of the RSL and the War Widows Guild.
RSL Victoria president Robert Webster, in a letter to sub-branch presidents seen by the Herald Sun, said the sale by 2023 was necessary because the RSL and the War Widows Guild were concerned about the number of non-veterans being housed by Vasey RSL Care.
Mr Webster said sale funds would be put into a trust to pay for veteran welfare.
He also said the veteran population in aged care was falling, a claim disputed by Ms Voloshin who said the number of veterans would rise by 22 per cent in the next 10 years.
About 70 per cent of aged care residents and almost 100 per cent of independent tenants were veterans and dependants.
World War II veteran Ross Pulling, 97, has been a Vasey resident at Bundoora for five years.
“The Vasey organisation is splendid. I can honestly say I have never regretted moving in,’’ Mr Pulling said.
“I hope to see the next few years when I will reach 100 years old and continue to maintain my good health.’’
Six sub-branch presidents told the Herald Sun they objected to the proposed sale, saying there was a lack of transparency and consultation.
Lilydale RSL president Don Parsons said the move to sell a valuable asset was shortsighted because veteran welfare was the RSL’s core business.
“They should not be focused on poker machines. Woolworths and some footy clubs know they are on the nose.’’
Latest figures show that 53 RSL clubs – about one in five statewide – have 2816 poker machines, accounting for $209 million in gamblers’ losses last year.
Mr Webster said funds from the sale of Vasey RSL Care would be used for
veteran welfare, including accommodation for younger veterans, across all of Victoria.
“The law protects current aged care residents and guarantees continuity of accommodation
meaning no resident would be disadvantaged by this plan.’’
Iraq war veteran Dan Cairnes, who is pushing for reform of RSL HQ, is opposing the sale.
“This is nothing but a disgusting and deceitful cash grab attempt by RSL Victoria,’’ Mr Cairnes said.
The RSL is pushing ahead with the sale of the now abandoned Manningtree complex of 120 flats and two houses in Hawthorn. The centre housed hundreds of veterans for decades until last year when it was vacated.
The land alone, estimated to be about 8000 sqm, would be worth several million dollars.
An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report in 2018 said about 641,000 living Australian veterans had served in the ADF or in the reserve forces.
RSL Presidents’ reaction to the proposed sale of Vasey Care:
Lilydale RSL president Don Parsons:
“None of us knew anything about it. But why, there’s no reason to sell it. It’s a valuable asset,” he said.
“Vietnam veterans could be homeless and we haven’t seen that since World War I.
“RSL is shortsighted and they’re not telling us why they are doing this.
“Veterans are being treated with total disdain.
“Vasey was designed for servicemen and women and their families.
“The (head office) should not be focused on poker machines. Woolworths and some footy clubs know they are on the nose. The writing’s on the wall.’’
Ringwood RSL president David Jamison:
“We’re puzzled by the move. It’s part of the RSL’s core role to be looking after veterans.
“There’s been no information from state office.
“We got a letter last week but it was vague in its intent.
“Members need an explanation of why and what will replace it.
“Vasey is the only aged and residential care in Victoria that’s focused on veterans.
“We shouldn’t forget younger veterans too. They are likely to need more support.’’
Warragul RSL president Bill Westmead:
“You have to ask if it’s an appropriate time to sell during a period of such economic instability.
“And where’s the business plan to do this and what are the recommendations from that.
“We want full transparency on this.
“The core activities of the RSL is to look after the welfare of members.
“We want full transparency.’’
Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL president Doug Pendergast:
“The care that veterans get – either in independent living or in the care homes – is amazing.
“I’m opposed to the sale of Vasey Care. It simply should not be sold.
“RSL Victoria has a duty of care to all veterans. I don’t think they are doing their job.
“It’d be a travesty if they sold it.’’
Mt Evelyn RSL president Roger Boness:
“Vasey Care is a well-managed and well-resourced operation.
“There’s no need to be selling it off.
“What about the 500 people who work for Vasey.
“There’s going to be a greater need for veterans in the future.
“Veterans are not even being considered and the RSL is making decisions without consultation.’’
Hawthorn RSL president Lucas Moon:
“The overall RSL Victoria business strategy is failing and this sale appears to be a cash grab. RSL Vic is asset rich and cash poor.
“Vasey Care – and its predecessors – is one of the best and well-run aged care operators in Victoria.
“It has all the stages of care for veterans and their families.’’
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