Mr Chris Pearce MHR
Federal Member for Aston
Suite 4, Level One
420 Burwood Highway
Wantirna South VIC 3152

Saturday 08th July 2006

Dear Mr Pearce

With reference to our meeting of the 28th of April 2006, when, in company with Mr. C Sorensen, Secretary of Boronia RSL, and Treasurer of the above Association, we have attempted to convey the seriousness of our representations regarding the contaminated water issue - and especially the health concerns this matter appears to be having upon those former member of the three services who either served in HMAS Sydney, or were transported home on Sydney - during the Vietnam war period. It may be worth noting also, that as of the 22nd of June 2006, nine members of this Association have passed away from cancer and/or cancer related illnesses so far this year.

You stated on the day that you saw four main issues with which you would take up with the Minister, indeed, you even paid me the courtesy of contacting me at home and stating that you could not contact the Minister that same day, as he was in Egypt at the time. As time has passed nothing further has transpired with regards to this, even though further verbal enquiries have been made via your electorate staff.

With reference to your letter of the 21st of December regarding the unresolved issue of recognition for Lt. Kennell RAN (deceased) and Lt. Cdr. Ferguson RANR (deceased), nothing additional has been received with respect to this matter either. These two officers served their country in good faith; the least their country can now do for them is to give them the courtesy of being remembered as Veterans.

The meeting with Mr. Billson, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, held at his office on the 16th of May at 11:00am (he cancelled our original meeting which was set for 04th May at 11:30), was, in my view, a less than satisfactory experience. While it is appreciated that the Minister has an unenviable job in a very complex and demanding portfolio, he could have approached our concerns with a little more thought and compassion than what he did. His responses to our concerns ranged from being somewhat aggressive to being rather flippant and personal. Behaviour one would not expect from a Minister - or any elected member for that matter - when approached about genuine concerns affecting those that have served this country, and, through no fault of ours, we now find many of them suffering and dying as a result. You may wish to pass on my concerns to the Minister, as I have yet to receive any form of response from him with reference to the above, other than what was contained in your letter of April 24th.

This Association has also met with Major General David McLachlan, President, and Michael Annett, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RSL (VIC), in relation to the above - and in the words of the CEO they found the information we presented to them as being “most educative and compelling.” A far more serious and informed response than the one we received from the Minister. The CEO RSL (VIC) has also stated: “Be assured of our best endeavours, as discussed on Friday, in regard to your issues.”

Mr Pearce, it gives me no pleasure at all to write these few lines to you, especially after you and your predecessor have been so helpful to this Association and its members in the past. However, be that as it may, the concerns expressed above are genuine, as are the facts upon which they are based. These concerns need to be brought to the Minister’s attention as a matter of some urgency. I am hopeful of your continuing cooperation in these and related matters.

Regards


Dr. John R Carroll PhD EdD MAPsS
Hon. Secretary