Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Veterans short-changed

Phil

GOFF

Veterans’ Affairs Spokesperson
10 April 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Veterans short-changed

The Veterans’ Support Bill reported back to Parliament today rejects a key recommendation of the Law Commission Review on which it is based and ignores the submissions of veterans and the RNZRSA, says Labour’s Veterans’ Affairs Spokesperson, Phil Goff.

“A review of the 1954 War Pensions Act by the Law Commission, set up by the Labour Government in 2008, recommended that all war veterans put in harm’s way in an overseas deployment should be eligible for a veteran’s pension.

“This pension is in place of, rather than on top of, New Zealand Superannuation. It confers some small benefits such as a lump sum payment on death, a Community Services Card and continuation of the pension if hospitalised. Most returned service personnel who want to go on to the veteran’s pension do so not because of the benefits but because they see that as honouring their service on behalf of their country.

“Veterans asked that the requirement of significant disability (52 per cent of total disability or more) be dropped, something the RNZRSA strongly endorsed.

“The Government however ignored the veterans’ submissions on this and said the recommendation should ‘not progress at this point in time’.

“It’s a cynical decision. Time is not on the side of World War II, Korean, Malayan and Vietnam veterans. Their numbers are rapidly declining as age takes its toll.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“As the RSA says, why should it be necessary to be ‘significantly’ disabled to qualify for the veterans’ pension?

“This year we commemorate the centenary of the start of World War I. There will be many expressions of gratitude for the service of our veterans. But rather than simple rhetoric, surely we can acknowledge the centenary and our veterans in a more tangible way by extending their eligibility for a veteran’s pension.

“The cost is small, $11 million this year declining to $8 million in three years’ time as ranks thin.

“The message it would send, however, is an important one. We do honour their service and will look after them in return for their putting themselves in harm’s way for their country”, Phil Goff said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.