Alexander calls on business to back Cassino vets

United Future's Marc Alexander today called upon the business sector to put the Government to shame by helping old soldiers attend the 60th commemorations of the Battle of Monte Cassino.

"The Government's Scrooge-like display on this matter with incremental increases grudgingly squeezed out of it have simply gone from pathetic to paltry," Mr Alexander, United Future's senior citizens spokesman, said.

"Well, let's see if the business sector can come in behind our veterans - and show the Government up."

Currently, 50 veterans, picked from a ballot, will be flown to Monte Cassino by the Government, with others wishing to travel being able to apply for a $2000 government subsidy.

"Now $2000 isn't going to get them very far at all, and these old fellows are now superannuitants who served this nation in its our of need. They simply deserve better," he said.

Mr Alexander said there would be a huge good will factor for corporates that stepped into the breach, and from their point of view, as well performing a genuinely good act, it would be well-rewarded sponsorship.

"There are various airlines who could fly these veterans, and there is room for corporate pick-up on this, with a bit of lateral thinking.

"This is too important an issue to let rest with a mean-spirited Government," he said.

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