Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Again, I thank Senator Reynolds. As honourable senators will be aware, the Prime Minister and I announced that we will be returning those men from Terendak, and some dependents as well. This is righting a 50-year wrong and it will be in the run-up to the 50th anniversary next year of Vietnam Veterans Day. I met with the Malaysian deputy minister last week in Malaysia. He advised me of the government's very, very strong support to return these men. I want to thank Ken Foster, David Ferguson and Bob Shewring, together with the late Tim McCombe, for this. The member for Solomon has also been of significant assistance.

The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War will be one of the most significant commemorative events in this nation over the Centenary of Anzac period. Bringing home these men, righting a 50-year wrong, is a very, very important part of that.