Fears for RSL future

FRESH allegations of lavish spending within the NSW RSL have emerged as Veterans Affairs Minister David Elliott said the 100-year-old organisation may collapse under the weight of a growing financial scandal.

Former RSL CEO Glenn Kolomeitz, a whistleblower who left the organisation two weeks ago, claimed last night that RSL sub-branches flew executives and their wives to Thailand to visit “factories making their blazers”.

Mr Kolomeitz also said one sub-branch gave $500 beer cards to local members for renewing memberships, amid claims that spending spiralled “out of control”.

RSL members have also raised new concerns about the charity’s executive members flying business or first class overseas, staying in upmarket hotels while on official business and enjoying lavish meals.

The state government yesterday announced RSL faced a wide-ranging investigation.

Mr Elliott described the probe as the RSL’s “darkest day’’ and said it could uncover more alleged wrongdoing.

“If this matter isn’t dealt with correctly ... I have very grave concerns for the future of the RSL,” he said.