RSL branches around the country have been slammed for strict new rules that ban old-school military vehicles and kids from some Anzac Day parades.
RSL ACT has banned children under the age of 12 from marching with their grandparents in the annual parade, and RSL Victoria says cars made before 2010 are not allowed unless they meet new safety standards. That means many of the classic vintage army cars crowds are used to seeing will be replaced with newer models or civilian cars.
Changes have also been instigated in NSW, where veterans have been banned from using taxis to transport themselves to and from the parade. They’ll be given golf carts instead.
The changes have been slammed by 4BC radio host Ray Hadley, who called the new rules “stupid” and “dumb”.
“How are you going to get the veterans to the golf cart? What about the veterans in wheelchairs?” he asked.
He’s been backed up by 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, who pointed out that much of the romanticism of the parade would be lost without the vintage charm of the old army vehicles.
RSL Victoria’s CEO Brigadier Michael Annett said he “puts safety before colour”.
Annett said the RSL made the call after concerns in recent years about the emissions and safety standards in older vehicles.
“A lot of these vehicles have to idle for large periods of time and that affects not only those people who are standing directly behind these cars in the march and also the people who come to watch,” he told 3AW. “The fumes are a worry.”
As part of the new safety push, veterans and civilians in Victoria who want to drive in the parade must also pass a police check.
Queensland has no plans to change their vehicle policy. A spokesperson from RSL Queensland told Starts at 60: “They actually have the Military Jeep Club of Queensland carrying veterans and we’ve got no intention to changing that policy, as all of those vehicles are much older than 2010.”
Increased safety measures at the annual parades have been a core focus for police and RSL clubs around the country in recent years. Crowd numbers have waned in some cities due to increased fears of terrorist attacks and Annett said the RSL is looking for ways to make the march “as safe as possible for all members”.
Starts at 60 has contacted NSW RSL for comment.
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