NZ First Welcomes Commission For Vietnam Vets

New Zealand First has welcomed the establishment of a commission to hear the cases of Agent Orange victims, but says the real issue is ensuring affected veterans receive compensation for their suffering.

“New Zealand First has campaigned consistently for compensation to Agent Orange victims. We are adamant that an apology must be given to our former servicemen and compensation of some form be paid,” said veterans’ affairs spokesperson Bill Gudgeon.

“For 30 years the soldiers who came into contact with Agent Orange have been caught in no-man’s land, continually denied compensation by successive governments.

“The debate has gone on for far too long, and the inaction of former governments has not only affected veterans but also their families.

“After years of government denial, select committee inquiries and reports, there is finally some movement to resolve the issue.

“Now the Government must take responsibility and accept officially once and for all that these Vietnam veterans deserve better treatment,” concluded Mr Gudgeon.

ENDS

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