Judith Collins MP
National Party Veterans' Affairs Spokeswoman
7 October 2008
National honours veterans' contribution
National's Veterans policy recognises the special status of our war veterans and reflects our belief that more should be
done to honour their contribution to our peace, security, freedoms, and democracy, says the party's Veterans' Affairs
spokeswoman, Judith Collins.
"National understands the needs of the country's aging veterans and we will provide greater recognition and assistance
in areas that they themselves have identified."
National will:
* Extend eligibility for the Veterans' Gold Card to all veterans with qualifying operational service, and look to
enhance the benefits available to holders of the card. * Establish a New Zealand Defence medal recognising
service in both the regular and non-regular services. * Support the review of the War Pensions Act to revamp and
simplify the pension system. * Provide ongoing financial support to the three dedicated Veterans' Homes. * Increase
the allowance for gallantry decoration holders to $30 per week, include the New Zealand awards since 1999, and remove
the requirement for recipients to be receiving a War Disablement Pension.
"National will focus on the healthcare needs of veterans and their families. We initiated the Health Select Committee
inquiry into the use and effects of Agent Orange in 2003 in a bid to resolve long-standing health issues for Vietnam
veterans. Labour's response was criticised by the Vietnam veteran community as inadequate. A number of significant
recommendations were not picked up by the Government.
"The select committee inquiry recommended that veterans have access to free annual medical assessments. National will
adopt that recommendation."
National will:
* Endorse the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vietnam veterans, the RSA, and the Crown as providing the
basis for settlement of the Agent Orange issue.
* Provide Vietnam veterans with free annual comprehensive medical assessments.
* Support the commitment in the MoU to an ongoing review of international research relating to the effects of
exposure to Agent Orange to ensure the establishment list of Agent Orange-related illnesses is updated on a regular
basis.
* Support the MoU's commitment to the consideration of future programmes for the children and grandchildren of
Vietnam veterans.
"National greatly values the contribution veterans have made to their country. We are committed to listening to their
needs and providing them with greater recognition and assistance."
Ends
For National's full Veterans policy visit: http://national.org.nz/files/2008/veterans.pdf