6 October 2004

Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association supports select committee report

The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA) welcomes the Report released today into the effects of Agent Orange on New Zealand military personnel during the Vietnam War.

The RNZRSA congratulated the Select Committee on their efforts, and the result said RNZRSA National President, John Campbell

“The Agent Orange issue is one that has caused considerable pain, hurt and anger amongst Vietnam Veterans and their families. The findings and conclusions of the Report will now hopefully provide a way forward to addressing issues arising from this situation. The impact on Vietnam Veterans, their children and their families is now finally recognised.

“Now action will speak louder than words. The responsibility is now on Government, its Agencies, the RNZRSA and the Ex-Vietnam Services Association to work together to ensure that the Report’s findings and its recommendations are followed through” said Mr Campbell.

The RNZRSA expects that the provisions of the War Pensions Act will be effectively and benevolently applied to the Agent Orange consequences, in keeping with coverage extended to other forms of war attributable disabilities, and that the descendants of Vietnam Veterans will be able to receive greater assistance for their health problems.

ENDS

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