A special website was launched today as part of a campaign to win justice for the Australian military veterans of the British nuclear tests at Maralinga and Monte Bello Island in the 1950s and 19 60s.
The new website www.maralingaclassaction.com.au spells out the history of the disgraceful treatment of the Australian veterans who have been denied compensation by both the Australian and British governments.
The website also provides an opportunity for affected veterans, or widows/dependents of those affected, to register to be part of a class action to be launched by Sydney law firm Stacks/Goudkamp in the London courts this year, as well as for members of the Australian public to sign a petition showing their support.
The veterans were used as guinea pigs by British scientists and suffered terrible health problems after being exposed to radiation, but never received compensation for what was done to them.
In June 2009 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he always believed it was important to deliver justice to the victims of the British nuclear tests conducted in Australia. “It is the right thing to do,” Mr Rudd said.
Veterans are still waiting. In December the National President of the Australian Nuclear Veterans Association Ric Johnstone asked Tom Goudkamp of Stacks/Goudkamp to mount a class action on behalf of the surviving veterans .
Veterans can register to be included in the class action on the website or call the phone number 1300 320 199.
For legal reasons veterans will have to register with Stacks/Goudkamp before May 2010 to join the class action which will be taken against the UK Ministry of Defence in conjunction with British veterans.
The public can also join a petition demanding justice for the nuclear veterans.
Frank Walker
Media consultant for Stacks Law Firm
0417 090 346
frank.walker@optusnet.com.au