The NSW RSL has been warned it will “find itself a thing of the past” if it does not respond to a powerful new inquiry into alleged embezzlement and fraud within the 100-year-old institution. The state government on Monday announced RSL NSW, RSL LifeCare and the RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution (DefenceCare) will be the subject of the wide-ranging investigation. The inquiry will have royal commission-like “special powers” such as the ability to subpoena evidence and compel witnesses to give evidence. It will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin.