Tuesday, 22 June 2004

Mr J Carroll

Dear Mr Carroll

Further to my representations on your behalf regarding the recognition of Lieutenant E G Kennell and Lieutenant Commander K A Ferguson to the Minister for Veterans Affairs, The Hon Danna Vale, I have now received a response and I enclose a copy of the Minister's letter for your information.

John, you will note from the Minister's response that the Department of Veterans Affairs has reviewed the circumstances of the deaths of Leut Kennell and LCDR Ferguson and in both cases found that their deaths occurred before their ships crossed into the Vietnam War operational area.

The same legislation also applies to the Roll of Honour for Vietnam, which regrettably, precludes them for being named on this roll.

Like the Minister, I understand that this is not the answer you were hoping for John, however I hope the information contained in the Minister's letter clarifies the reason for their non-inclusion for you.

I am also continuing to follow up with the other outstanding correspondence for you with the Minister. I will contact you again when I receive the responses.

Yours sincerely

CHRIS PEARCE MP

Ref: CJP/mjcarroll220604

Encl