RSLs and veterans hit by Labor’s energy crisis

RSL clubs are the latest casualty in Daniel Andrews’ ideologically-driven energy crisis, says Shadow Minister for Veterans Danny O’Brien.

Across regional Victoria, RSL clubs are struggling to keep the lights on as they face skyrocketing increases in energy costs.

And while the bills are piling up, Daniel Andrews is abandoning our RSLs and veterans, with no solutions to fix the energy crisis he created.

Mr O’Brien yesterday told Parliament that Sale RSL and Community Club has been hit with a 97 per cent increase in its monthly bills.

Bairnsdale RSL has also come under pressure, being forced into a new contract that will see its electricity bill increase by up to $85,000 a year.

Given most RSLs participate in a statewide bulk buying program for electricity, these cost increases are being replicated around the state.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Veterans, Danny O’Brien:

“The skyrocketing cost of electricity is having a detrimental effect on one of our most beloved institutions, the RSL.

“The many clubs around the state, in suburbs and country towns, provide a valuable meeting place and social outlet for veterans and the community.

“Record electricity and gas prices we are seeing under Daniel Andrews are making life even tougher for already-struggling clubs.

“We don’t want to see a situation where staff have to be laid off, commemorative events curtailed, or worse, services to veterans cut because of the rising cost of energy.”

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