Media Release The Hon Danna Vale MP   Minister for Veterans' Affairs Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Federal Member for Hughes

VA105 Monday 19 August 2002

VETERANS' REVIEW SUBMISSIONS CLOSE AT END OF AUGUST

Interested ex-service organisations veterans and members of the public have until the end of the month to make submissions to the independent committee reviewing veterans' entitlements.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, said the committee chaired by the Hon John Clarke QC will finish accepting submissions on Friday 30 August.

"The Review of Veterans' Entitlements has received overwhelming support, with close to 3000 submissions received from the veteran community and other interested organisations and individuals," Minister Vale said.

"Although the official closing date for submissions passed in April, the strong interest in the Review prompted a decision by the committee to continue accepting submissions while it conducted community consultation, including public meetings around the country.

"The committee is due to present its recommendations by mid-November and will have to stop taking submissions at the end of the month in order to turn its attention to finalising its report."

Under its terms of reference, the committee is considering perceived anomalies in eligibility for access to veterans' benefits and qualifying service that have been raised by raised by groups including some World War II veterans, members of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces in Japan, Australian participants in British atomic testing in Australia and Australian service personnel engaged in counter terrorist and special recovery training.

The committee is also considering the appropriateness of current veteran disability benefits and the extent to which the medical, social and vocational rehabilitation needs of compensation recipients are being met.

Information about the Review are available on the Internet at www.veteransreview.gov.au. Submissions can be sent to: The Hon John Clarke QC Committee Chair Review of Veterans' Entitlements PO Box 9563 DEAKIN ACT 2600. The Minister said the Government would consider the committee's recommendations as part of the process for the 2003 Federal Budget.

Media Contact: Rachael Thompson (02) 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289



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