|
Wairarapa MP, Georgina Beyer, is delighted at measures taken by the Government to remedy decades of official indifference to the contribution and needs of our veterans.
"For years there has been slow progress on addressing the needs and concerns of veterans. Now our government is doing something about that," Ms Beyer said.
"The announcements this week by Veterans' Affairs Minister Mark Burton and Prime Minister Helen Clark recognise the special needs of veterans and restore a sense of fairness."
The announcements cover:
- Better health treatment for veterans and their families
- A one-stop-shop service in the Office of Veterans' Affairs for the provision of health and other services to veterans
- Ex gratia payments of $30,000 each to ex-POWs and other internees held by Japan
- New legislation which gives formal recognition to the special status of veterans
- Provision for veterans of working age to be in employment without losing their pensions.
People who think they may be eligible for the $30,000 payment should contact the Office of Veterans' Affairs, on 0800 4 VETERAN (0800 4 838 372).
"The Government is also consulting on the issue of further medallic recognition to veterans with service since World War II," Ms Beyer said.
"What we have done is present a co-ordinated package which gives veterans the treatment and recognition they are entitled to."
|
|
|
