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Ex-NSW RSL boss expulsion backed by govt

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The state’s Veterans Affairs minister has supported the expulsion of former NSW RSL president Don Rowe from the league as a public inquiry into the charity’s misuse of expenses wraps up.

The current NSW RSL president James Brown confirmed Rowe had been expelled and his life membership cancelled after a unanimous vote by state councillors last week.

“I welcome any action to improve the status and brand of the RSL in NSW,” Veteran Affairs Minister David Elliott told AAP on Monday.

“Based on the emails, letters, and conversations I have had with veterans around the state there was overwhelming support for the NSW government to intervene and investigate these matters.”

It follows Rowe’s admissions at a public inquiry a month ago to using the charity’s cash to pay for his mortgage, family phone bills, flights, meals and accommodation at a Sydney hotel during his 11 years as president.

The inquiry, heard before Patricia Bergin SC, was set up by the NSW government under the Charitable Fundraising Act after the RSL’s misuse of charity funds became public.

Rowe apologised to the inquiry for his role in the failure of NSW RSL, LifeCare and the RSL Welfare Benevolent Institution to comply with the charitable fundraising act and admitted the buck fell with him.

“We’ve had a big stuff-up to be honest and I’m to blame in my position as state president,” he said.

The inquiry’s hearings are scheduled to finish on Tuesday with Brown listed as the final witness.

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