Notwithstanding the incredible demands of approximately four weeks of Parliament since October last year, I would ask you to take time to consider now the difficult circumstances facing former SASR soldiers (and their families), and those continuing Australia's preparation in our international obligations against terrorism.

Dear Mrs Vale,

I note that a demand on your time has been made by the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia (VVAA) as they request an extension of time for submission to the Independent Review on Veterans' Matters.

No doubt you are, like me, a little surprised at this request, and the statement that should the VVAA request not be granted, the Review would become "a worthless exercise'. My belief was that the Review was a Government election promise for early instigation, and announced as such, in October 2001?

Notwithstanding your decision regarding this seemingly unusual request by the VVAA, may I also talk to you of matters of time? I thank you in anticipation of your agreement.

In July 2001, the Australian SAS Association Counter Terrorist/Special Recovery Support Group asked of your Department the following:

1. That Hazardous Service be declared for members of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) engaged in counter terrorist and special recovery employment,

2. That the TPI Special Rate not be counted as income by Centrelink, and

3. That a medical study be ordered for past and present SASR soldiers and their families.

Your Department has been shown that ALL three point are well within your Ministerial capabilities NOW!

Agreement between Defence and Government is all that is needed to declare Hazardous Service. Should you, or members of your Government, not believe that service within SASR is hazardous, or if this request is not supported within Defence, I strongly request that you provide the names and positions of those who disagree.

The inequity of the Centrelink absurdity has been shown to you in many forums and you have been shown that a resolution is simple. Either remove the counting-of-income provision as applied by Centrelink, or have DVA pay the Service Pension component, in whatever guise it is named. Mrs Vale, my former soldiers are deserving of a better life than that endured at $365 per week!

A medical study of SASR soldiers and their families is a low-cost exercise that demands attention. You have been provided with the private medical reports stating that of 10 former SAS members tested, six have changed chromosomes. You are aware that these men have a 27.2% higher risk of contracting cancer. None of us are aware of the medical risks placed upon our children.

Should you, or any member of your staff reply to this request by referring to the impending Review Committee, I will take it as an abrogation of responsibility and a denial of care for those your Department is charged to represent.