Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA088
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
GOVERNMENT KICKS OFF CLARKE REVIEW
NUCLEAR VETERANS AND BCOF A PRIORITY
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today called for submissions from the veteran
community and ex-service organisations on recommendations of the Clarke Review of
Veterans’ Entitlements not acted on by the previous government.
The Clarke Review made a large number of recommendations for improvements to veterans’
entitlements across a wide range of areas. The Howard Government ignored almost all of
those recommendations that required any action at all.
The veteran and ex service community were rightly disappointed by the Liberal Government’s
unwillingness to act as a result of the Clarke Review. That’s why Labor committed to a review
of outstanding Clarke recommendations.
“I know there is particular interest from the veteran community in relation to Australian
participants in the British Nuclear Tests and Australian members of the British Commonwealth
Occupation Force after the Second World War. These will be given priority,” Mr Griffin said.
Recent research overseas had highlighted that the concerns of ex servicemen who had been at
Maralinga and other nuclear test sites needed further consideration. This review will allow this
to take place.
Speaking at the national congress of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), Mr
Griffin announced the commencement of the review.
“I am only seeking submissions relating to recommendations of the Clarke Review that were not
acted upon by the previous government.”
Anyone wishing to lodge a submission can do so via email to reviewsecretariat@dva.gov.au,
with submissions closing on 1 December 2008. More information about the review is available
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email please go to minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
