MINISTER OUTLINES AMBITIOUS PLAN FOR VIETNAM VETERANS

Well-being initiatives and recognition for Vietnam veterans would be part of an ambitious Australian Government plan to support Vietnam veterans in this significant anniversary year, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today.

"This is an extremely important year for honouring and remembering Vietnam veterans, with 2006 marking the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan," Mr Billson said.

"The experience of our Vietnam veterans reminds us that the health and well-being of our veteran and defence force communities, particularly their mental health, must be a top priority that needs to be addressed through a more holistic approach to meeting their needs.

"The mental impact of wartime service often extends to the partners, widows, families and children of veterans, and their carers, and the Australian Government, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, is committed to ensuring that our services take this into account.

"In the 2006-07 Veterans’ Affairs Budget, the Government has increased mental health funding by $20 million, to more than $150 million, to strengthen and expand access to the range of mental health care, counselling and support services available to veterans and their families. Initiatives include:

• further education and training for health professionals to better understand problems experienced by veterans and serving members;
• increasing awareness and education about the importance of mental health and offering enhanced self-help management strategies for those with mental illness;
• plans to continue and expand access to counselling services available to the sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans;
• an improved outreach program to engage veterans not currently aware of or utilising beneficial veterans support services;
• enhanced tertiary support for children of Vietnam veterans through increasing the number of Long Tan Bursaries from 30 $6000 bursaries to 50 $9000 bursaries taken over three years; and
• formation of a standing committee to examine research on the intergenerational health impacts on children resulting from a parent’s military service.

"The Government also aims to promote greater community understanding of the outstanding sacrifice made by our Vietnam veterans. This year is the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August, and a number of initiatives to honour and remember the role of Australians in the Vietnam War will be implemented.

"The Australian Government will fund significant commemoration activities including events at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra; in Queensland, the home of 6RAR, and in other States and Territories; and a commemorative ceremony at the Long Tan Cross site.

"An online nominal roll of Vietnam veterans will also be developed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Museum projects remembering Vietnam will be eligible for grants and the theme of the DVA education resource kit produced for Australian schools and to be distributed in early 2007, will be the Vietnam War.

"The health of Vietnam veterans’ children will also be addressed now that a feasibility study has been completed and a scientific advisory committee’s recommendations are being considered by the Government.

"Although the report proposes a pilot study that will take some years to complete, I am keen to pursue a staged approach to see work commence this year over a much shorter research period. My goal is to gain meaningful results sooner to help improve and better target health support and services available for the children of our Vietnam veterans.

"A staged approach will better support early action where services can be improved in parallel with further research. There are people who need help now and I do not want to see practical action delayed for years while research proceeds.

"I am also able to advise on the progress of the Third Vietnam Veterans Mortality Study. The first three reports – covering cancer incidence, mortality and national servicemen, will be received shortly and I propose to release them together in the next few months along with the Government’s response.

"The Australian Government is committed to providing greater support to Vietnam veterans and their families, and to increasing public awareness of the significant sacrifice and contribution made by these Australians during the Vietnam War," Mr Billson said.

Media inquiries: Shane Fairlie 0408 680 442