RSL Australia Applauds Prime Minister’s Comments Regarding Vietnam Veterans

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSLA) has applauded comments made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week, acknowledging and courage and sacrifice of Australians who served in the Vietnam War.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the War, the Prime Minister launched a commemorative medallion and certificate available to every veteran of the conflict. They can be applied for by veterans, widows, and other family members of veterans of the Vietnam War.

RSL Australia President Greg Melick said the Prime Minister’s speech to Parliament paid tribute to the 60,000 Australians who served in the conflict. More than 3000 Australians were wounded, and tragically 525 were killed.

“Many thousands more continued to suffer on returning home.

“Mr Albanese’s acknowledgement that Australia was late in recognising the veterans’ service and that they were owed a debt that could never be repaid was welcome and should be applauded by all fair-minded Australians,” Greg Melick said.

“His reference to the mental health issues faced by many veterans has been highlighted by witnesses and submissions to the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

“Australia must do better in our treatment of veterans, and the Prime Minister’s speech to Parliament and the launch of the Vietnam Commemorative Medallion and Certificate are steps in the right direction,” Greg Melick said.