Royal United Services Institute of Queensland (RUSIQ)
Last updated: March 2026
1. Aim
The aim of the Royal United Services Institute of Queensland (RUSIQ) is to promote discussion and debate, and to improve public awareness and understanding of national security, defence, and related strategic matters affecting Australia.
RUSIQ exists to foster informed inquiry, serious discussion, and responsible citizenship in matters of defence, national security, and strategic affairs.
2. Character
RUSIQ is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, and independent institute.
It exists not to advance party-political causes, sectional interests, or ideological fashion, but to promote serious inquiry, robust discussion, and responsible citizenship in matters of defence and national security.
RUSIQ welcomes a diversity of informed views and seeks to maintain a culture of respectful, open, and intellectually rigorous exchange.
RUSIQ supports informed public discussion of policy, strategy, and national security questions, but it is not a platform for party-political campaigning or partisan advocacy.
3. Heritage & Continuity
RUSIQ honours the long tradition of the Royal United Services Institutes and the enduring values of service, duty, inquiry, and national contribution associated with that tradition.
The Institute seeks to preserve that inheritance while remaining relevant to the strategic realities of the present age.
As part of the wider RUSI tradition in Australia, RUSIQ maintains its own local governance, program, and activities in Queensland while contributing to the broader culture of serious public discussion on defence and security matters.
4. Not-for-Profit Status
RUSIQ is a registered Australian charity and a not-for-profit institution.
The Institute exists for public-minded and educational purposes consistent with its charter, and not for the private gain of members.
5. Membership
RUSIQ is a membership body and a public-minded institution.
It exists to bring together people of experience, judgment, curiosity, and goodwill, including but not limited to members of the armed forces, veterans, academics, students, industry professionals, public servants, and citizens with a serious interest in strategic affairs.
Membership is both a privilege and a responsibility, carrying with it an expectation of respectful conduct and constructive contribution to the life of the Institute.
Membership is open to persons 18 years of age or older who are interested in the defence and security of Australia and who support the aims of the Institute.
The categories, terms, and conditions of membership, including subscription arrangements and any concession categories, are determined separately by the Institute and may be published or amended from time to time.
6. Activities
RUSIQ conducts lectures, discussions, conferences, and other activities aligned with this Charter and the purpose of the Institute.
These activities are intended to encourage informed public understanding, serious discussion, and professional and civic engagement in relation to defence, national security, and strategic affairs.
RUSIQ may also publish commentary, notices, newsletters, and other communications in support of its charitable, educational, and institutional purposes.
The conduct of events, participation standards, media arrangements, and ticketing or attendance conditions are governed by the Institute’s separate policies and terms, as applicable.
7. Subscription and Communications
RUSIQ publishes an electronic newsletter for members and newsletter subscribers.
The Institute may communicate with members and interested persons regarding events, activities, publications, institutional matters, and matters relevant to its purpose.
The collection and handling of personal information is addressed separately in the Institute’s Privacy Policy.
8. Facilities and Venues
RUSI Hall is the home of RUSIQ and its preferred location for events and activities, subject to availability and applicable access or security requirements.
RUSIQ may also conduct activities at third-party or external venues where appropriate to support the Institute’s program and purposes.
The availability, use, and terms of access to facilities and venues are governed separately by operational requirements, venue conditions, and applicable Institute policies.
9. Public Role
RUSIQ recognises that questions of defence, national security, and strategic affairs are matters of public importance.
The Institute seeks to contribute to informed civic understanding by providing a trusted forum for discussion, exchange of ideas, and education among members of the defence community and the wider public.
In doing so, RUSIQ supports thoughtful, respectful, and evidence-based engagement on issues affecting Australia’s security environment.
10. Authority of the Charter
This Charter sets out the enduring purpose, principles, and character of RUSIQ.
It is to be read alongside the Rules, Constitution, By-Laws, and policies of the Institute, which govern its formal administration, membership processes, internal operations, events, and public activities.
RUSIQ is an incorporated Queensland association and operates subject to applicable law, including the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Qld) and the Associations Incorporation Regulation 1999 (Qld), together with the Institute’s own governing rules and any validly made by-laws or policies.
11. Governance and Accountability
RUSIQ is committed to transparent, lawful, and responsible governance as an incorporated association and registered charity.
The Institute’s committee and office holders are responsible for ensuring that RUSIQ meets its governance, meeting, and financial obligations in accordance with applicable law and its governing documents.
Further detail regarding governance procedures, meetings, records, and financial accountability is addressed in the Institute’s Rules, By-Laws, and associated governance documents.