VIETNAM VETERANS URGED TO TAKE PART IN SURVEY
August 29, 2011
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent are encouraging Vietnam veterans and their families to take part in a survey seeking answers to problems that have affected their health and lives.
The Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study is investigating the long-term impacts of wartime service on families of deployed personnel.
“It has long been recognised that service in Vietnam has had a serious effect on the emotional and physical health of the veterans,” Mr. Broadbent said.
“This survey will help to quantify those impacts and to develop better ways of responding to them.
“No doubt it will also be of benefit to the families of ex servicemen and women who have served in areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan,” Mr. Broadbent said.
27,000 Vietnam veterans, their peers and family members have already been sent the questionnaire.
Mr Chester said registrations were still open with the Department for participation in the survey.
“The Department is still accepting registrations from Vietnam veterans and their families to take part in the survey,” Mr Chester said.
“The survey is also open to un-deployed personnel from the Vietnam War as well as their partners, ex partners and children to provide comparisons between the groups.
Veterans wanting to take part should visit the DVA website, call 1800 502 302 or email healthstudy@dva.gov.au.
The final report is expected to be presented to the Government by late next year.
