RSL branches in NSW can once again raise money for veterans and their families after the lifting of a two-year ban.
Fundraising activities by sub-branches were suspended in August 2017 following damning revelations at a public anti-corruption inquiry and concerns about compliance.
Former state president Don Rowe is before the courts on fraud charges arising from the inquiry but has indicated he will fight the accusations on mental health grounds.
Current RSL NSW president James Brown said the ban was necessary to protect local volunteers from unintentionally breaching the law and risking hefty fines or even criminal penalty.
"We proposed governance changes in 2018 which would have reduced these risks, but they were not acceptable to members," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Now we have alerted our members to possible compliance issues and are providing them with guidance to better manage their fundraising at the local level."
Sub-branches can now apply to the NSW Department of Fair Trading to hold sausage sizzles, cake stalls, meat raffles, trivia nights and auctions to raise funds.
It's part of several reforms put forward by the organisation, including a new draft constitution which has been released for consultation.
Other changes include two appointing independent directors to the board, reinstituting a member tribunal to hear disciplinary matters and new procedures on managing property, holding ceremonies, governance and administration.
"With all of these reforms, the board wishes to draw a line under the organisation's troubled past and create a stronger RSL NSW which is fit for today and the future," Mr Brown said.
