DATE OF ISSUE: 7 MARCH 1995
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE FORCE DEPLOYMENT AS PEACEKEEPING FORCES IN MOZAMBIQUE AND HAITI
Purpose
The purpose of this instruction is to advise that service by Australian Federal Police (AFP) with the United Nations Operations in Mozambique and Haiti is to be regarded as "Peacekeeping Service" for the purposes of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.
Background
2.Two contingents of AFP members were dispatched to Mozambique as part of Australia's commitment to the United Nations Operation in Mozambique (UNOMOZ) to act as official observers overseeing the actions of the local police forces following the cease-fire in that country's civil war. The first left Australia on 27 March 1994 and returned in mid September 1994 while the second left on 2 September 1994 and returned on 10 December 1994.
3.A contingent of AFP is also serving with the Multi-national Force (MNF) in Haiti. The MNF is a United Nations sanctioned operation under the control of the United States. This contingent also includes members of Victoria and Queensland police who are seconded to the AFP. The advance party left on 10 October 1994 and the main body on 28 October 1994.
4.The Minister has designated these AFP contingents to be Peacekeeping Forces for the purposes of Part IV of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.
5.AFP members will be eligible to apply for Disability Pension for injury or illness contracted as a result of their peacekeeping service. The spouse or partner of a member whose death is accepted as being caused by their peacekeeping service will be eligible for Defence Widow/ers Pension. The standard of proof to be applied to compensation claims is the "reasonable hypothesis".
Commencement date
6.The commencement dates are 27 March 1994 for the Mozambique contingent and 10 October 1994 for the Haiti contingent.
Contact Officer
7.The contact officer is Jeanette Pedlow, telephone number 06 289 6204.
G J COLLINS
A/G NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
BENEFITS