BILLSON ‘LISTENED AND DELIVERED’ FOR EX-POWS IN EUROPE

The Australian Government's decision to grant $25,000 ex-gratia payments to Australians held as Prisoners of War in Europe during World War II and their widows has been warmly welcomed by veterans' groups across the country.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Bruce Billson is urging those who believe they are eligible for the payment to contact DVA for confirmation. The Department has received more than 200 calls from veterans and family members inquiring about eligibility following the first round of advertisements in major daily newspapers.

About 2200 eligible veterans and widows are set to receive the payment before 30 June as part of a $57.2 million initiative under the 2007-08 Federal Budget. This follows ex-gratia payments of $25,000 to Japanese PoWs or their widows in June, 2001 and to North Korean PoWs or their widows in June 2003.

The decision came after Mr Billson last year invited former European PoWs and their family members to write to him with information supporting his firm belief that PoWs in Europe were treated harshly while in captivity.

"I received a large submissions and I am extremely grateful to all those who provided information and shared harrowing stories about their time in captivity," Mr Billson said.

"Among them were deeply moving stories of brutality, starvation, disease and deprivation of basic human rights. Sanitation was poor, quarters were overcrowded and access to bedding and suitable clothing was limited."

Mr Billson said the insights gained formed a "compelling case" to extend the ex-gratia payments to the former PoWs of Europe despite the Clarke Review of Veterans Entitlements recommending against it.

President of the Ex-Prisoners of War and Relatives Association of Victoria Bill Flowers said the ex-gratia payment initiative was greatly appreciated.

"May I express our thanks for the work you have done to ensure the inclusion in the Budget papers payment to both PoWs Europe and widows of PoWs Europe. You listened - you delivered," Mr Flowers said.

The RSL and Legacy were among other ex-service organisations to welcome the ex-gratia initiative.

Those eligible for the ex-gratia payment include:

• Surviving former Prisoners of War (PoW) of Germany, Italy or their Allies;
• Civilians who were detained or interned by the Germans, Italians or their Allies; or
• Widows and widowers of former PoWs or detainees/internees held by Germany, Italy or their Allies, who were alive on 1 January 2007.

In cases where an eligible recipient has died since 1 January 2007, their estate may make application for payment.

Former PoWs Europe who already receive a pension from DVA will automatically be paid the ex-gratia payment. Widows of prisoners of war should contact DVA to determine whether they will receive automatic payment or if they will have to lodge an application. For further information about the eligibility requirements or to lodge a claim, contact Department of Veterans' Affairs on 1800 044 029.

Media inquiries: Cameron Hill  0408 239 52