Fed: Veterans buoyed by UK nuclear testing admission

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2008
Fed: Veterans buoyed by UK nuclear testing admission

Local veterans hope a British admission that high radiation levels occurred during
nuclear tests in Australia will bolster their case for greater federal government recognition.

The dramatic admission came on the weekend .. after years of denials .. in papers filed
with the High Court in London by Ministry of Defence lawyers.

Some 16-thousand Australians .. including servicemen and civilians .. participated
in the 12 atomic blasts conducted in South Australia and off the West Australian coast
between 1952 and 1963.

RIC JOHNSTONE .. from the Australian Nuclear Veterans Association .. says he hopes
the latest news may help the case for veterans to win access to full pension and health
entitlements.

AAP RTV so/tm/wz/psm/

KEYWORD: NUCLEAR UK AUST (CANBERRA)

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