New Zealand First Defence spokesperson, Ron Mark, says National’s acknowledgement that Operation Grapple and Vietnam veterans children were affected by their fathers’ exposure to chemicals and radiation is last-ditch electioneering and doesn’t go far enough.

“While I welcome that finally something is being done for these children, the government is still failing to recognise the effects that exposure has had on veterans’ health,” said Mr Mark.

“Veterans who were exposed to chemicals like Agent Orange are facing shortened life expectancy. Many of them have cancer.

“Given that the Government accepts that their children were affected, free health care for veterans should be included in these recommendations.

ENDS

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