VA11 Wednesday 27 February 2002

Veterans, ex-service organisations and other interested groups can now make submissions to

the committee undertaking an independent review of perceived anomalies in the access to

veterans' entitlements, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, announced today.

Minister Vale said the Review of Veterans' Entitlements committee today held its first formal

meeting in Canberra. The committee is chaired by former Supreme Court Justice John Clarke

QC and includes the former Vice-Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Air Marshal Douglas

Riding AO DFC, and the former Secretary of the Department of Family and Community

Services, Dr David Rosalky.

"The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 has delivered the best repatriation system in the world

and it is based on a number of core principles. These include access to a top tier of

entitlements for those deemed to have 'qualifying service'. This is in recognition of the special

deprivations and pressures experienced by veterans who have confronted the enemy. This

core principle will remain," Minister Vale said.

"The independent committee will clarify and make recommendations to government on the

concerns raised by some ex-servicemen and women that they may be missing out on

veterans' entitlements because of perceived anomalies in the legislation.

"The review will also consider issues surrounding the benefits and support available for ex-

servicemen and women receiving the Totally & Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) rate and

other rates of veteran disability pension.

"The Review of Veterans' Entitlements presents an important opportunity for veterans and ex-

service groups to present their views on this range of issues and I urge them to make

submissions to the committee as soon as possible."

Under its terms of reference, the committee will consider perceived anomalies in eligibility for

access to veterans' benefits and qualifying service that may be raised by groups including

some World War II veterans, veterans of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces in

Japan, Australian participants in British atomic testing in Australia, Australian service

personnel engaged in counter terrorist and special recovery training and other interested

parties.

The committee will also consider 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.

Details of the terms of reference are available on the Internet at www.dva.gov.au. The

committee is due to report in November.

Submissions should be sent to:

The Hon John Clarke QC

Committee Chair

Review of Veterans' Entitlements

PO Box 9563

DEAKIN ACT 2600.