Lotu-Iiga Sam: Veterans’ Support Bill — First ReadingText is subject to correctionLotu-Iiga Sam: Veterans’ Support Bill — First Reading[Sitting date: 22 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14106. Text is subject to correction.]Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie): In late February 2011 I attended the funeral of PrivateKirifi Mila in South Auckland. He was a member of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Like me he was born in Samoa and like me he came to New Zealand for a better life. But unlike me he will not see a long life in this country because Private Mila gave his life for his country in the service of our people here in Aotearoa New Zealand like thousands of others who have given service to this country.This bill is a recognition of the great debt that we owe to our veterans across this country. This National-led Government is committed to honouring the service of not just those who have passed away in the service of our country but also those who survived in the service of our country. The Veterans’ Support Bill enables the Government to better meet the needs both of older veterans who require assistance as the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs and the Hon Phil Goff have pointed out to remain in their homes and veterans of modern-day deployments. This is a $60 million package to support new legislation. It is part of a package that increases war disablement pensions and surviving spouse pensions by 5 percent this year on top of inflation.We have got a proud history and both of those speakers have alluded to the recognition of not just our fallen servicemen and servicewomen but also those who have survived those events in our history that are rather tragic but also ones that we are proud of. We recognise them through our museums. We recognise them through ourRSAs which many of us are members of. We recognise them through my gym which is a war memorial gym. On Anzac Day we all celebrate those very touching moments the reflections of the history and the tradition of this country. Again I say that we owe a great deal a debt to our veterans.So as the Minister has already pointed out this bill was referred to the Law Commission for a review. The findings of that review stated quite clearly that the War Pension Act 1954 was outdated. It was unwieldy. It no longer fitted the times or the needs of veterans whom it was intended to serve. So this bill aims to reform some of the measures that were taken many decades ago. It is all-encompassing. It covers two schemes which Minister Woodhouse has articulated in his speech in terms of access to medical treatment and rehabilitation for accepted conditions.I want to acknowledge Margaret Burke a woman who has tirelessly fought for this bill in my electorate of Maungakiekie. I want to acknowledge the presidents of myRSAs—Tom Kerr in Onehunga as well as Leon Matthews in Panmure and Mount Wellington. They have talked to me as I have been an MP about the need to reform this area. For those who are listening and watching out there I salute you and all the other returned servicemen and servicewomen who have advocated for this bill.It contains many of the same provisions of the current Act; the service eligibility criteria will remain the same. All veterans currently covered under the current Act will have coverage under this new legislation. We are talking about more than 20000 modern Defence Force personnel who are now veterans and all of them need that support as veterans.The Prime Minister Phil Goff and I were also at the opening of the Ranfurly units. Again that is another example of how we salute and recognise those who have returned from service overseas. That development I think is a shining example of what we cando not just through legislation but also in our communities when the resources are put to looking after those returned servicemen and servicewomen.I am proud of this comprehensive package. I like the Minister look forward to the Social Services Committee deliberations because it does honour a group in our society—and their families I might add—who have given much sacrifice and commitment to those of us who can enjoy the freedoms and liberties of our current State. I commend this bill to the House.