Veteran Issue Continues
Before the 2023 General Election, the National Party committed to addressing a bag of “Veteran Irish Pennants,” which the previous administration had left to languish in slack water. In 22 months, the 54th Coalition government will end on Monday, 9 November 2026. Attached is an overview of Ministers for Veterans’ progress by Frank Rands and Neal Catley. To read further, Click HERE.
IMPORTANT
If, after reading this document, you find that it holds merit and addresses issues relevant to the welfare and recognition of veterans, we kindly ask you to share it with others who might be in a position to support or advocate for our cause. Please consider forwarding it to other veteran groups, facebook members, the Returned Servicemen Association, your local Member of Parliament, and any other individuals or organizations who may wish to respond for the veterans in their communities. Together, we can amplify the voices of those who have served and ensure their contributions are acknowledged and respected.
How typical of the National party
Well, the time has come. Time for what, you ask? Time to step away from the ongoing debate about what defines a veteran and the related issues. The current Minister for Veterans (MfV) has done nothing, and to be fair, nothing meaningful has been achieved since Ron Mark held the role. The level of apathy and lack of support from many servicemen has been astounding—deeply disappointing, as I had expected much more.
With that in mind, Neal Catley and I have decided to step back and leave this matter to others who may wish to take it forward. We will no longer engage in discussions with the current MfV, nor will we advocate on behalf of communicators or other veterans. You can only fight for so long when the will simply isn’t there. Minister, by your inaction, you will no longer need to provide holding responses to letters from Rands and Catley.
Thanks Neal and Frank R for battling on, on behalf of us all. I know what it’s like having sent many OIA’s to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of Defence and lately Minister of Health (Re burial Act). At the moment I will continue the fight.
well you fought the good fight and it all came to nowt.. thank you both for what you tried to do..Gunth