J O I N T   M E D I A   R E L E A S E

Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Senator John Williams

Veterans living in Tamworth have an opportunity to shape future policy directions during a veterans’ forum being held next week.Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, will join NSW Nationals’ Senator John Williams in Tamworth as part of a series of nation-wide veterans’ forums.“I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet with veterans, grass-roots advocates and welfare officers to gain first-hand ideas for possible inclusion in future Coalition veterans’ policy”, Senator Ronaldson said. "These veterans’ forums are an opportunity for those with an interest in veterans’ policy to have their say on future directions in Coalition policy ahead of the next election.” Senator Ronaldson said this will be his first visit to New England as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. “There are 3,000 people who have dealing with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs living in the federal electorate of New England, including 1,200 in the Tamworth district.“I look forward to seeing as many local veterans as possible when I visit Tamworth on May 2.”Senator Williams said he asked Senator Ronaldson to visit New England given the significant numbers of veterans living in the area.“New England and the New South Wales mid-north coast region is home to over 10,000 veterans and their dependants”, Senator Williams said.

“The Gillard Labor Government has let veterans down badly, particularly on the issue of military superannuation reform.  Labor continues to deny military superannuants a fair go and last month delayed a Senate vote to provide these veterans with a better standard of living.”

New England Veterans’ Forum

West Diggers Leagues Club, Kabel Avenue Tamworth

Monday, 2 May 2011 at 7.00pm

Further details are available by contacting Senator Williams’ office on 1300 301 816.

The forum is free to attend.