Voyager compo confirmed on anniversary | NEWS.com.au The Rudd Government has confirmed its pre-election pledge to try to resolve outstanding compensation claims arising from the HMAS Voyager disaster. Today is the 44th anniversary of the nation's worst peacetime military tragedy in which 82 people lost their lives. One civilian, 14 officers and 67 sailors died when the ship collided with HMAS Melbourne during a training exercise off the southeast coast of NSW in 1964. Survivors have been battling authorities for damages for years. There are currently 34 damages claims by HMAS Melbourne crew before the courts, as well as seven outstanding appeals. Another two claims by descendants of Voyager crew who died remain unresolved. Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon said Labor was committed to seeing justice done, and had established a 1995 compensation scheme to compensate all Voyager survivors. "Now I am determined to advance the remaining claims from the tragedy," he said in a statement. The Government made a pre-election commitment to appoint a legal expert to advise the Defence Department on how to best progress remaining cases. "We are in the process of drafting terms of reference and hope to soon appoint a retired judge or senior silk to the task," Mr Snowdon said. The minister is encouraged by the use of mediation and negotiation to resolve 50 cases last year. "Together with the review, I am hopeful that we can clear the way to ending years of frustration," Mr Snowdon said.
Unbelievable that they have been dragging their feet for so long. The actual incident, and the possibility of the Captain's incapacity, is interesting: HMAS Voyager (D04) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
