Reciprocal War Pension Scheme

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30958, 14 January 1966, Page 8

Reciprocal War Pension Scheme

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 13. An agreement between New Zealand and Australia setting the pattern for administration on an agency basis of pensions and medical treatment for disabled former servicemen was signed in Wellington this afternoon.

The Australian Minister for Repatriation (Senator G. C. McKellar), whose department is responsible for the pension and medical needs of former servicemen, and the Minister in Charge of War Pensions (Mr Kinsella) completed negotiations today on a revision of the arrangements between their countries.

The ministers’ departments will now pay pensions and arrange medical treatment on each other’s behalf for former servicemen and their dependants.

Mr Kinsella said the new method of assessing the cost to Australia of medical treatment of Australian former servicemen now living in New Zealand would result in an increased receipt to New Zealand of £14,000 annually. The arrangement will come into force on April 1.

Mr Kinsella said existing arrangements had been in force since 1930 and the revision was long overdue. The new arrangement was more in keeping with present

day developments in the war pension schemes of both countries.

Senator McKellar said he hoped the agreement would result in an improved service to former servicemen in each country.

He was pleased to be able to agree to the new assessment of the cost of medical treatment, which would result in “a fairer deal to New Zealand.” Senator McKellar said the arrangement was “another example of the close relationship which exists between Australia and New Zealand, and also highlights the very close ties between ex-service-men of our two countries.”

Senator McKellar may soon put to the New Zealand and Australian Governments a proposal on the payment of various awards for gallant conduct during war service. Earlier this month it had been reported from Canberra that Senator McKellar, while in New Zealand, would have discussions affecting the New Zealand Government, United Kingdom authorities and Australia concerning the payment of awards.

Discussions had taken place and a proposal will be made soon, but he could not give further details, he said today.

“The agreement we hope will come into force won’t involve the British Government.” Senator McKellar said.