As you know, the Hon Mike Kelly MP formally acknowledged the existence of the 2nd D&E Platoon back in 2008- and was promptly ignored by the AWM. Well, I thought it time to bring Dr Kelly back into the action. See letter below: (address details deleted) 1st September 2016 The Hon Dr Mike Kelly MP Member for Eden-Monaro Dear Dr Kelly Re: the 2nd D&E Platoon I refer to the matter above- a platoon that was edited out of the record books of the Vietnam War for 38 years until you and your government corrected that anomaly in May 2008. You will recall that upon formally recognising the platoon, you said the 2nd D&E Platoon would be ‘forever enshrined in the nation’s history.’ As you would be aware, despite your actions, the Australian War Memorial steadfastly refuses to accept that decision, as do a small pocket of ignorant veterans led by Bob Buick (the sergeant at Long Tan who deserted his men and his position and left wounded men behind) and a Garry Sloane- administrator of the ANZMI web site. You will probably also be aware that your decision has resulted in acrimonious comment by those men and their cowardly supporters. In 2014, I requested copies of 294 documents held by the Australian War Memorial relating to the creation, activities, and disbursement of the 2nd D&E Platoon- including letters by various parties who became involved in the mater. Needless to say the AWM has refused to release those documents despite it being contrary to the AWM’s own FOI policy and that of the federal government. It appears to be a law unto itself. A petition on change.org (signed by 13,200 concerned Australians- including former senior officers of the ADF) was delivered to the Director of the AWM by myself and another member of the former 2nd D&E Platoon (Ian Ramadge) earlier this year has, and so far has not altered the AWM’s decision. And a public declaration by Senator Arthur Sinodinis OA on the ABC’s Q&A programme in 2015 that he would be seeking answers as to why the AWM regularly ‘sanitises’ documents (including those belonging to the 2nd D&E Platoon) was never carried through by him, to no one’s surprise. Further, I would advise you that over the years, the national historian has deliberately deceived parliament, Senators and Ministers in various ways when questions about this platoon have been raised with him. I have a number of documents that prove this. As it stands today, the individual service records of the 39 men still do not acknowledge their service in this platoon- and it remains still, a most contentious matter. You might be aware that in the years since you last left parliament, I received $50,000 in compensation from the DART, and formal letters of apology from the Assistant Minister for Defence (the Hin Stuart Robert MP) as well as an apology from a current serving general of the ADF, MAJ GEN Fergus McLachlan. And I am one of the plaintiffs in a class action suit being brought against the ADF by Shine Lawyers- including the vilification I have received from veterans whilst pursuing this matter. Although you are not my local Member, I believe this is a circumstance in which you might personally intervene. I don’t believe my Member (Stephen Jones) understands the issues. I trust you can assist once more, and finally. Yours Sincerely Don Tate I will also be contacting Senator Derryn Hinch troop, since he was aware of the controversies as far back as 1984 (see attached) Then...there's Senator Pauline Hanson.....!