Media Release: 18 December, 2018.
SEATO NURSES SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT ANY LONGER FOR GOLD CARD
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) welcomes the news that Australia's Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) nurses, who so bravely and tirelessly served during the Vietnam War, will be finally recognised and awarded a Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Gold Card.
The ANMF says the nurses should have access immediately and not have to wait until 1 July 2020, as announced by the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and the Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester.
"After fighting for over 20 years for the recognition they deserve, it is a great relief that our brave SEATO nurses will be provided with a Gold Card, like other veterans," ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said today.
"Yet, the Government shouldn't make them wait another 18 months to access medical treatment and other assistance and support they so urgently need.
"The SEATO nurses deployed to Vietnam by the Australian Government, should not have to wait a moment longer. Along with other members of the civilian, surgical and medical teams they have fought long and hard to be recognised for their crucial work in providing medical assistance to the local Vietnamese people who were victims of the conflict.
"SEATO nurse campaigner Dot Angell is disappointed that they'll be forced to wait even longer for their Gold Card and says she will continue with their campaign.
"The ANMF will be supporting them until justice is achieved.
"The Treasurer and the Minister should act now and ensure SEATO nurses have access to their Gold Card immmediately."
ANMF media release authorized by Federal Secretary Annie Butler. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.
The ANMF, with over 270, 500 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing in Australia.
