Minister for Veterans Affairs

Dear Minister

I refer you to a press release by your predecessor, where he stated inter alia, "that employers of, or those self employed, who are reservists absent from work...."will receive financial compensation of $809.70". He further state that this is "equal to average weekly, full time adult earnings"

The press release uses the term "financial compensation', which is exactly what the T&PI Special rate is, COMPENSATION for war caused injuries, due to the inability of a veteran to work and earn remuneration.

On one hand the Howard Liberal/National Coalition are offering to compensate an Employer, whose business is already receiving an income, irrespective of the reservist being present or not. To COMPENSATE them at average weekly, full time adult earnings, whilst at the same time refusing to benchmark, the TPI Special rate, at the same earnings level, smacks of hypocrisy and double dealing beyond belief.

Whilst we can all agree that Australia needs a strong defence reserve, those that have served are also deserving of compensation, otherwise we may no longer have a defence reserve. We seem to be capable of compensating all and anyone (employers, employees, insurance failures etc), EXCEPT the veteran. After all they were only servants of the Government, who did the bidding and are then cast aside, because they are but a spent force. Who is more deserving of a slice of the cake?

This email, and all subsequent correspondence will be distributed throughout the TPI network and the service network generally and I have no doubt that you will receive more contacts of this nature as the year progresses.

I am reminded of a remark made by a famous American that appears appropriate in this case

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation". George Washington

Yours faithfully

Name

Snail mail and e mail address

Vietnam Veteran or appropriate title