Statement on Rex Crane

This statement is regarding the article on Rex Crane in the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the West Australian published today, Saturday 3 October 2009.

I am aware of Mr Crane’s case and have been briefed by my Department.

I have directed my Department to refer this case to the Australian Federal Police. This occurred on Thursday, 1 October 2009.

This is a very serious matter.

I know these allegations will be distressing for the veteran community and I fully understand why. Those who have sacrificed so much for our country are rightly outraged when fraud of this nature occurs.

Personally, I think for anyone to impersonate a prisoner of war is disgusting. It is a betrayal of all the values our veterans stand for.

I have very strong feelings about this and need to stress the gravity of the situation.

My Department works hard to protect the repatriation system and ensure people who deserve entitlements are those who are actually getting them. There are reasons why we are so strict with the operation of the system and why some claims take time to examine.

Should these allegations be proven, it will illustrate to what lengths some individuals will go to to defraud our system and the large amounts of money that can be involved.

This matter should be pursued to the fullest extent of the law and I am confident that the AFP will do so.

I eagerly await the outcome of that investigation.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
The Hon Alan Griffin MP