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Leader's LetterOctober 2004
Dioxin Findings Support Vietnam VetsA report dated 10 September 2004, disclosing facts on dioxin levels in 245T, the spray manufactured by Ivon Watkins Dow, now known as Dow Agrisciences, was a slap in the face for the last National government and New Zealand’s present day Labour Government. My concern has been for our Vietnam Veterans, who for years have lobbied governments concerning Agent Orange and its effects on the veterans and their families. Whatever discussions have taken place between Dow Agrisciences and the Ministry of Health, the Ministry still has a duty to protect public health. Vietnam Veterans have produced dates and maps of who served, where, and what units were exposed to Agent Orange. Fortunately the Health Select Committee has now finally accepted that our troops were exposed. The Government has no choice but to act responsibly, and recognise that even our citizens in New Plymouth who were in close proximity to manufactures of the herbicide, have come out with similarly high dioxin levels as our Vietnam Veterans. If the Government is to now accept international studies, that the exposure to dioxins could increase the risk of about 14 different cancers, why have the claims by Vietnam Veterans not yet been acted upon? My sympathy also goes out to the residents of Paritutu, who, if it weren’t for research done in that area, and subsequently made public, the Vietnam Veterans would still be in no mans land. New Zealand First recommends not only compensation, but an apology for those veterans, and that further discrepancies need to be dealt with, with integrity and sincere management. The claims for Vietnam Veterans were first brought to the notice of Parliament by the New Zealand First MP, Ron Mark, who then was the spokesperson for Veteran Affairs and yet for some reason, no mention by governments of the day have recognised initial concerns. Both Ron, and myself are very familiar with service personnel issues, and we intend to ensure this issue will not be on the back burner any longer. On 10 September 2004 I spelt out to the public in a press release, New Zealand First’s concerns at the run around being given to the Vietnam Veterans over Agent Orange. New Zealand First has always been supporters of veterans who have served in previous conflicts and will continue to represent their views in the future, especially if they are being treated shabbily by the government of the day. Bill Gudgeon MP
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