7 December 2006

Accord At Last On Agent Orange

New Zealand First welcomes the Government's announcement that Agent Orange victims and their families will receive compensation for their suffering, but says the issue has taken too long to resolve.

“Soldiers who came into contact with the Agent Orange have been caught in a no-man's land, continuously being denied compensation by successive governments despite all the evidence presented to various parliamentary committees,” said Agent Orange spokesperson Pita Paraone.

"New Zealand First has campaigned consistently for an apology and compensation in recognition of the effects of exposure to Agent Orange and this agreement vindicates our unwavering stand.

“The lives of many of these men and their families have been irreversibly altered, not only by the ordeal of war, but also by the exposure to pathological toxins that have caused significant health problems and loss of quality of life.

“The important thing now is to ensure that all veterans and their families are informed of their entitlements.

"We would like to offer our congratulations to the Ex-Vietnam Services Association and the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association who have fought hard over many years for recognition of the health effects of Agent Orange and compensation for their suffering," concluded Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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