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PRIME MINISTER
embargo: 8pm Saturday 12 August
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING
MP AND THE MINISTER FOR VETERANS' AFFAIRS, THE HON CON
SCIACCA MP
AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS PRISONERS OF WAR
Federal Cabinet has agreed to exempt Australian ex-prisoners of war who are
receiving nursing home care from the cost of nursing home resident
contributions. This decision is a special initiative to mark the Australia Remembers
commemorative year, and to recognise the unique sacrifice made by the
6,600 living Australian veterans who were prisoners of war while on
operational service.
The exemption will apply from 1 November this year, and will mean initially
that about 250 former prisoners of war who are currently residents of nursing
homes will be relieved of the financial burden associated with their nursing
home care.
The recent commemorative trip to Borneo highlighted the appalling
experiences which were endured by some war prisoners. Their suffering was
both physical and psychological. Their privations were profound.
Former prisoners of war, including their passionate advocate Mr Tom Uren,
have campaigned for a long time for this particular form of recognition, and
the Government is pleased to agree to it during the fiftieth anniversary of the
end of World War Two.
CANBERRA
.13 AUGUST, 1995
Keating, Paul
Period of Service: 20/12/1991 - 11/03/1996
Find more information on Keating, Paul on the:
Release Date:
13/08/1995
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
9697
Document:
00009697.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Keating, Paul John
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP AND THE MINISTER FOR VETERANS' AFFAIRS, THE HON CON SCIACCA MP
9697