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I See both sides of this discussion as, firstly, I own a military vehicle that participates in the parade and also, secondly, attend the AD March committee meetings and hear what they are up against as a body.
Unfortunately the 'Elf and Safety' issue has declared quite some time ago that military vehicles were unsuitable for the carrying of troops, hence our soldiers are nowadays carried to battle in coaches or aircraft that are fitted with seatbelts rather than in the back of a Land Rover or truck, so it is a natural progression that from the Military's eyes, if they can be sued for carrying their own, how open are they to legal action if they carry someone else.
Personally as far as the article is concerned, the military commander made the right choice.
As for the photograph showing Jeeps, well, after all, that is what happens in Qld., the MJCQ, at the request of the AD March Committee, voluntarily supply these vehicles to carry the incapacitated diggers, and these would be the only photographs readily to hand to illustrate the story. Surely it is a bit much to expect a journalist to be intelligent and accurate, as well as imaginative!!
As an aside, because of restraints inflicted by insurance Companies under the guise of Health and Safety and other "anti sue" bodies, veterans over 80 years of age pose a major threat to organising bodies of these functions in that the march is deemed a threat to the aged veterans well-being, and therefore an insurance risk. The responsibility of the veterans well-being falls squarely back on the shoulders (on this day) of the march organisers.
We all know that the vast majority of the veterans are of the ilk that would never think of suing, but unfortunately in the real world there are many "hangers on" in most families, of later generation's thinking, who would see an accident such as this to be a windfall, ideal to supplement the existing dole!
80 years of age has been the age limit set for quite some time by the Insurance Companies, but we never noticed it as it really only affected a minority, but as of the last couple of years this age group includes all WWll vets and therefore is attracting a lot more press attention.
As an example this year, because of the above mentioned reasons, the WWll veterans will be 'marching' /riding on vehicles 'en bloc' rather than marching proudly under separate unit banners.
That means, on a more personal level, that I have only got 14 Anzac Days left in me before I too am deemed an insurance risk and can no longer march.I wonder whether I will still be allowed to drive?
Regards
Glen
Originally Posted by zulu Delta 534
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