Cynical Government Trims Veterans’ Services During Anzac Remembrance

New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters has warned the Prime Minister to abandon a cost-cutting plan to sack individual contractors who provide treatment to veterans and replace them with new “streamlined” services.

Veterans have been advised of the changes in a letter in the last few days. Mr Peters says within the waffle there is a clear message that unwelcome changes are coming.

“It is outrageous that veterans who served their country and are now suffering disabilities can be treated in such a cynical, callous way.

“While the sounds of the ANZAC Day bugles were echoing around the world, Veterans’ Affairs was composing a message to tell veterans that even if they receive good treatment from their provider, the changes are coming.”

Mr Peters says phrases like “streamline processes and services”, “value for money” and “spend public money appropriately” are doublespeak for cost cutting and retrenchment.

“While the Prime Minister was flaunting himself around Gallipoli commemorations his minions were planning cutbacks that clearly breached the ANZAC spirit.

“Many veterans rely on their providers and sudden changes can cause a lot of distress and uncertainty.

“Using national contracts also means there could be extra travel and inconvenience for veterans.”

Mr Peters says he is not criticising Veterans Affairs staff who work tirelessly for their clients.

“The enemy is the Prime Minister who is allowing veterans to suffer while he wastes millions of dollars changing the flag they served under.”

ENDS

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