New NSW RSL boss commits to transparency

The new head of the NSW RSL has committed to cleaning up the troubled organisation during the upcoming inquiry into alleged embezzlement and fraud within the 100-year-old institution.

James Brown, an Army veteran and the prime minister's son-in-law, has been elected president of the NSW RSL, replacing John Haines one week after the inquiry into the branch was announced.

He is committed to making sure "there's no question by the end of that (inquiry) process, that all the skeletons have been pulled out of that closet," he told the Seven Network.

"Whatever that inquiry needs, we'll deliver.

"We've had a clear message from the 38,000 members that they want to see a generational renewal and they want to see transparency."

His election was welcomed by Veteran Affairs Minister David Elliot, who said he was "positive" this was the first step in "a new direction for the iconic organisation".

"The members finally have had their say and it is now time for the league to return to its core mission of assisting our veterans," he said in a statement.

The inquiry will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin.