Fed: Rudd says sorry no pension for elderly serviceman

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2010
Fed: Rudd says sorry no pension for elderly serviceman

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD has told a young woman her grandfather's contribution to
the Australian war effort during World War II is valued .. even though he's not eligible
for a service pension.

ALEXANDRA THORLEY has quizzed Mr RUDD about the lack of recognition for her 86-year-old
grandfather .. during the prime minister's weekly appearance on the Seven Network's Sunrise
program today.

Ms THORLEY says her grandfather served in the Northern Territory driving in supply
convoys carrying ammunition to Katherine .. but because of where he served in the territory
he doesn't qualify for the service pension.

Mr RUDD says he's sorry the rules have made Ms THORLEY'S grandfather ineligible for
the pension .. but the pension eligibility rules have been around since 1920.

The Department of Veterans Affairs defines qualifying service as applying generally
to those who served overseas in operations against the enemy and incurred danger from
a hostile force .. and only applies to service in particular locations in the NT.

AAP RTV mb/rl/sw

KEYWORD: VETERAN RUDD (CANBERRA)

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