Veterans living in the Cairns region have an opportunity to shape future policy directions during a veterans’ forum being held next week.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, will join Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch in Cairns as part of a series of nation?wide veterans’ forums.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet with veterans, grass?roots advocates and welfare officers to gain first?hand ideas for possible inclusion in future Coalition veterans’ policy”, Senator Ronaldson said.
“These veterans’ forums are an opportunity for those with an interest in veterans’ policy to have their say on future directions in Coalition policy ahead of the next election.”
“Almost 2,000 DVA clients live in the electorate of Leichhardt. Far North Queensland is an important part of Australia’s defence community, home to HMAS Cairns and RAAF Scherger.
“I look forward to seeing as many local veterans as possible when I visit Cairns on 9 August.”
Mr Entsch said he asked Senator Ronaldson to visit Cairns given the significant numbers of veterans living in the area.
“The Gillard Labor Government has let veterans down badly, particularly on the issue of military superannuation reform. Labor and the Greens continue to deny military superannuants a fair go and last month defeated a Coalition Bill to provide fair indexation of military superannuation pensions.”
Cairns Veterans’ Forum
Cairns RSL, Corner Florence Street and the Esplanade
Tuesday, 9 August 2011 at 1:30pm 2:30pm
Further details are available by contacting Warren Entsch’s office on 4051 2220.
The forum is free to attend.