Veterans' Affairs

125 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (12 August 2014). (First Session)In reference to 2014-15 Budget Paper 4, Volume 1, page 107, Program 4: Veterans' Affairs—

What advocacy has been undertaken to the Federal Government on behalf of those who served in the civilian surgical and medical teams in South Vietnam to seek recognition under the Veteran's Entitlement Act 1986?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs): I have been advised:

There has been significant advocacy on behalf of those who served in the civilian surgical and medical teams in South Vietnam to seek recognition under the Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986. My response is limited to written advocacy by my predecessors to commonwealth government ministers.

On 9 September 2009, my predecessor, the Hon Michael Atkinson MP, wrote to the then commonwealth Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin MP, on behalf of South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) Australian Civilian Surgical and Medical Teams (Vietnam) at the request of the Veterans' Advisory Council.

On 15 October 2009 the commonwealth Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin MP, responded and stated that: 'Should any change be made to the applicable law regarding benefits for SEATO team members, I will ensure that it is widely publicised.'

On 27 March 2013 my predecessor, the Hon Jack Snelling MP, wrote to the then commonwealth Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith MP, on behalf of SEATO Australian Civilian Surgical and Medical Teams (Vietnam) at the request of the Veterans' Advisory Council.

On 15 April 2013, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP replied to Minister Snelling's correspondence of 27 March, 2013 stating that: '… the Government has no plans to alter the current eligibility requirements for civilians.'

On 12 February 2014 Minister Snelling again wrote to Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson to provide further advocacy.

On 19 March 2014, Senator Ronaldson replied stating that: '… the Government has no plans to alter the current eligibility requirements in relation to civilian coverage under repatriation legislation.'