Senior Counsel To Review Hmas Melbourne Claims
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Government - Defence Press Release4th July 2008, 06:34pm - Views: 855
 THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Friday, 4 July 2008 088/2008 SENIOR COUNSEL TO REVIEW HMAS MELBOURNE CLAIMS The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, announced today that Mr Jeremy Gormly SC will oversee the remaining unresolved claims from the HMAS Voyager and HMAS Melbourne collision. “The tragedy cost 82 lives that night and it is terrible that issues related to the collision are still being heard 44 years later,” said Mr Snowdon. “We promised before the election in 2007 that a Rudd Labor Government would undertake a review to progress the mediation of the outstanding damages claims and following the recommendation of the Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, Mr Gormly has been appointed to the task. “Mr Gormly has extensive experience over a range of practice areas, including common law personal injuries claims. He is an ideal person to review the litigation and explore ways to advance the remaining 24 claims for damages by former HMAS Melbourne crew. “Last year 50 Melbourne cases were resolved through negotiation, with a further 18 settled this year. “I am quite sure the review, which will commence immediately, will ensure the positive results of mediation continue,” said Mr Snowdon. “Mr Gormly will report to me at the conclusion of his review, and I will discuss his observations and recommendations with the Attorney General” said Mr Snowdon. A CV for Mr Gormly is available from www.defence.gov.au/media. Media contacts: Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon): 02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689 Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664 |
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