MEDIA RELEASE

Senator Chris Schacht

Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs

Government Ignores Disabled Veterans

Senator Schacht today addressed TPI veterans rallying in front of Parliament House in Canberra, angry at the erosion of their pension.

"The horrible events of the last week have meant that the world's eyes and sympathies have been focused on America and many veterans were unable to make it to Canberra. However, the cause and issues of these veterans are as relevant and important today as they were last week and have not and will not be ignored by the Labor Party.

"The great many letters I receive every week and the number of people that gathered on the steps of Parliament House today, indicates that this is a high priority for the veteran community.

"The present Government has completely failed to address the concerns regarding the TPI and has continued to down play the importance of the issue. The failure of this Government to address these concerns has incited friction within the veteran community. This is an unacceptable way to treat those who served our nation.

"The Labor Party will be announcing a broad range of initiatives and priorities for the veteran community closer to the election campaign. However, I would like to assure this group that the Labor Party is committed to finding an equitable solution to the issue of the TPI.

"The Labor Party acknowledges the compensatory nature of the TPI, however it believes that priority has to be given to those with the greatest need.

"It has become clear to me that this issue will not be resolved with a small injection of money. It is an issue that needs to be thoroughly investigated and the Labor Party is committed to finding a solution that is equitable and accepted by the veteran community.

"I would like to thank and commend those TPI veterans who have come to Canberra this week to voice their concerns. Let me assure these veterans that, despite the unforseen circumstances of last week, the Labor Party - unlike the Government - has heard their concerns and will continue to work with all TPI veterans."

Date: 18 September 2001 Contact: Chris Schacht 0419 851 545 or Julia Sumner 0415 745 931

Adelaide: Phone: 08 8344 8766 Fax: 08 8344.9355

Canberra: Phone: 02 6277 3844Fax: 02 6277 3121