BACKGROUND INFORMATION Civilian nurses, who served as part of medical and surgical teams during the Vietnam war are continuing their battle for recognition as "veterans" and access to repatriation benefits under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986. The Governments failure to accept the recommendation of an independent Inquiry conducted by Major General R. F. Mohr made in February this year, that members of civilian surgical and medical teams be eligible for repatriation benefits, has dismayed many nurses, who are struggling with the same injuries and illnesses as the troops. The ANF is continuing its campaign to pursue fair and equitable treatment for this group of nurses who clearly deserve more from their Government. The ANF has had the opportunity to raise the issue again in a submission to the Senate Inquiry established in July to review recent amendments to Veterans Affairs Legislation following the independent Inquiry. In its Budget papers the Government adopted all the recommendations made by Major General Mohr in his Inquiry Report. All the recommendations except those relating to civilian nurses. We can only hope that the Senate Inquiry will adopt a fairer approach and put an end to this discrimination against civilian nurses who served in Vietnam as part of the Governments commitment in that region. Visit the Australian Civilian Nurses as Vietnam Veterans website at: http://www.angellpro.com.au/Vietnam.htm Senate Report (PDF) | ANF Comment | ANF Submission Lobby Your Senator and members of the House of Representatives