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Joint Working Group on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans
Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference - Chair of the Joint Working Group
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Terms of Reference - Chair of the Joint Working Group
1. Introduction
The chair of the Agent Orange Joint Working Group has been appointed jointly by the Ministers of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence to provide advice to the Government on how best to meet the needs of Viet Nam Veterans.
2. Background
Following a select committee inquiry and report, the government accepted that veterans were exposed to a toxic environment during their service in Viet Nam. A joint working group was established consisting of representatives from the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services association (RNZRSA) and the Ex-Viet Nam Services Association (EVSA), and officials from the Offices of the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Veterans Affairs.
The agreed purpose of the working group is to:
Recommend to Government, for its consideration, a package of actions and procedures to address the health and well being needs of Viet Nam Veterans and their families and to develop a historical record of New Zealander’s service in Viet Nam.
In her address to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association National Council on 11 July 2005 the Prime Minister also noted that, on the advice of the working group, she would offer a formal apology acknowledging that veterans were exposed to a toxic environment in Viet Nam
3. Tasks
i. Chair the joint working group.
ii. Develop and implement the consultation process including a questionnaire to go to veterans and their families and meetings in key centres in New Zealand.
iii. Ensure that the process of establishing the historical record being researched by Ian McGibbon is assisted where possible.
iv. Ensure that Viet Nam Veterans are receiving their health, pension and medallic entitlements.
v. Prepare the draft of the apology to be given to the veterans by the Prime Minister.
vi. Report to the joint Ministers on what actions can be taken to assist in the resolution of the grievances felt by veterans and their families.
4. Time frame and reporting
The chair will report three monthly or as required. The first report is to be made by 30 September 05. Joint Ministers are to be provided with copies of the minutes of working group meetings. A final report to Government on what actions can be taken to assist in the resolution of the grievances felt by veterans and their families is expected not later than 31 March 2006.
Hon Mark Burton
Minister of Defence
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