14 DECEMBER 2004

Government Response to the Report of the Health Select Committee Inquiry into Agent Orange

After 30 years of denial and obfuscation, the veterans who served this nation in Vietnam have had their claim that they were exposed to toxic chemicals during this service officially recognised.

The RNZRSA applauds the Government’s acknowledgment of this, and the apology that is being offered. RNZRSA awaits with interests the form that this apology will take.

The Select Committee Report offered the Government the opportunity to provide some tangible as well as written recognition of the physical, psychological and environmental impact service in Vietnam has had on Vietnam Veterans and their families.

The War Pensions Act referred to frequently in the Government response is the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.

The RNZRSA proposed that the remaining Vietnam Veterans be provided with a free annual medical check. Given the acceptance that Vietnam Veterans were exposed to toxic chemicals, and that such exposure can result in longer term health issues, particularly some cancers, then early detection is critical.

A free annual medical check with focus on disorders identified by relevant US and Australian studies as linked to toxic chemical exposure would be a tangible sign of Government recognition of the health issues faced.

In this day of free annual breast and cervical screenings, surely Vietnam Veterans deserve the ambulance to be parked at the top of the cliff as well.

Whilst the RNZRSA concluded it would find it difficult to support universal financial compensation to Vietnam Veterans, it did propose that the Government might have made a modest ex-gratia payment to provide additional support to the identified very needy families and their affected children.

It was proposed that the resulting fund would be administered by an Independent Board or Tribunal, and that modest judicious grants would be made in circumstances where veterans and their families, who have issues related to their Vietnam Service that are not covered under the War Pensions Act or such other legislation, might receive necessary assistance.

Closure on this sad, long running issue is essential. The RNZRSA believes that Actions Speak Louder Than Words, and it will monitor the progress of actions promised in the Government’s response closely.
ENDS

For further information:

A.J. (John) Campbell, National President, RNZRSA
027 271 5615