Alan Griffin MP
Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Shadow Special Minister of State
Member for Bruce

30 August 2006

Dr John R Carroll
Honorary Secretary
HMAS Sydney & VLSV Association (VIC)

Dear Dr Carroll,

I write on behalf of Mr. Alan Griffin, MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, in response to your letter of 14 August 2006.

Mr. Griffin is currently overseas on parliamentary business bud did discuss your correspondence with me before he departed.

Mr. Griffin is aware of the matters you raised on behalf on the HMAS Sydney & VLSV Association (Vic.), including the comments made by Minister Billson in April. We will be putting a number of questions on this matter to DVA as part of the November Senate Estimates Hearings in an endeavour to determine how the 30-day rule was determined. We will also be asking questions in relation to release of the DVA epidemiological study.

The information you have sent to Mr. Griffin will be of use in framing questions to be asked at the Hearings.

Following the November Senate Estimate Hearings Mr. Griffin will be completing his review of Veterans' policy in the lead up to the next Federal Election. Consideration of this matter will be one of the items under consideration.

Thank you for your comprehensive briefing document on this matter. I will contact you following the November Senate Estimate Hearings to Advise what further action Mr. Griffin intends to take.

Yours Sincerely

Warwick Heine
Adviser to Alan Griffin MP
Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Shadow Special Minister of State