Judith Collins MP
National Party Veterans Affairs Spokeswoman
26 March 2006
Don’t let vet probe drag on urges Collins
National Party Veterans Affairs spokeswoman Judith Collins is urging the Government not to drag its heels over the
claims by Vietnam veterans of missing medical files.
“I plan to hold Rick Barker to his word that the disappearance of these documents will be subject to a speedy inquiry.”
National believes the investigation should be fast-tracked so the findings are included in the report on Agent Orange to
be delivered to the Prime Minister next month.
“Right from the start Labour has been reluctant to participate in this bid by veterans for justice. Helen Clark refused
responsibility saying she was a fourth former and just this week the Minister, Rick Barker, admitted he got it wrong in
a letter to veterans.
“All parties in Parliament have an obligation to look after these veterans and their families, especially when it is the
Year of the Veteran,” says Mrs Collins.
ENDS