John Carter MP National Party Defence Spokesman & Katherine Rich National Party MP
04 May 2005

Labour shows its true colours on veterans

The Labour Government needs to urgently rethink its stance regarding support for Dunedin's Montecillo War Veterans Home and Hospital.

"The offer of a small loan at a commercial rate of interest, scheduled to be repaid when the last World War II veteran dies, is nothing short of a calculated insult," say National Party MPs John Carter and Katherine Rich.

"It is an insult not only to World War II veterans, but also to Korean War and Vietnam war veterans, as well as all those service personnel who have been put in harm's way in armed conflict, peacekeeping and other duties as part of New Zealand's stance as a responsible world citizen.

"It is a complete outrage that the soldiers who put their lives on the line for the people of this country could now find themselves turfed out onto the street because of a lack of support from this Government," say the MPs.

"Labour would rather waste millions supporting hip hop tours, radio sing-a-long courses, twilight golf and golden handshakes.

"Labour spends millions sending hordes of Ministers circling the globe to attend commemoration ceremonies in Europe and elsewhere - yet when it comes to giving real help and recognition to those who actually fought, the public purse is closed tight," according to Mr Carter and Mrs Rich. One person at a public meeting in Dunedin last night said 'this government has extolled the unknown warrior, but has forgotten the living warriors'.

"We totally agree," the National MPs say.

ENDS

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