MEDIA STATEMENT

1 August 2014

The Māori Party welcomes the passing of the Veterans Support Bill

The Māori Party welcomes the passing of the Veterans Support Bill on Wednesday night, following negotiations with National that have enabled some immediate and increased support available to a much larger group of veterans. The eligibility of veterans who can receive the pension will now grow from 6800 veterans to 25,300 veterans.

“We owe it to all our veterans and their whānau to honour the sacrifice and the dedication of duty undertaken. The Veterans’ Pension will now be paid at the same rate as superannuation and will be increased annually. Veterans will also automatically get the Community Services Card but income testing will no longer apply,” says Māori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.

“While this bill provides support and recognition of the sacrifice of our veterans the Māori Party will continue to push for a lump sum payment and a review of the act and associated levels of support within two years of the new scheme coming into effect."

"We voted in support of the bill and the Government’s amendments, to ensure no further delay and to enable the wellbeing of veterans to be provided for as a matter of urgency. A review of the 1954 War Pensions Act began some seven years ago. We supported this bill because were not prepared to play politics with the lives of veterans and their families.”

ENDS

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