INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT STRENGTHENS LINKS FOR VETERANS

Veterans’ ministers and senior officials from five nations met in Paris last week to share knowledge and discuss issues involving veteran and military communities.

The second International Veterans Administrations Ministerial Summit involved ministers and officials from Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States and Australia, and was hosted by Australian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson.

Mr Billson said Australia was committed to working with its international colleagues to advance important issues for veterans and gain new insights.

"This international forum continues the information sharing of the past, building a greater understanding of veterans’ issues and benefiting from mutual exchange of veteran policy initiatives, service-delivery experiences and research insights," Mr Billson said.

The summit focused on linking military capability to programs of support in veteran and military communities.  

Mr Billson said the changing profile of the veteran community and the transition from military to civilian life, were key issues of the summit, which highlighted the need for innovative approaches to identifying veterans’ needs and providing appropriate and timely support.

"The summit emphasised the importance of maintaining the health and wellbeing of current service personnel, and ensuring a high level of family support," he said.

"The forum also recognised a global commitment to veterans by acknowledging previous co-operation between countries including sharing knowledge on research and health studies, and learning how each countries’ compensation and health care systems work.

"While the systems and departments we administer are different in many ways, our profound gratitude and respect for all veterans of all conflicts and peacekeeping operations is shared."

The 2007 Veterans Administrations Ministerial Summit is to be hosted by the USA.

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