PRESS STATEMENT  m: L  by the Minister for National Development and Energy -V AUSTRALIA,.,!- _________ . 83/6

MARALINGA - RADIATION TESTING

The Minister for National Development and Energy, Senator Sir

John Garrick, said today that he had been aware for some time

of allegations by Mr D. Rickard concerning radiation records  at Maralinga.

"Mr Rickard wrote to me in November 1981 recounting in some

detail his experiences as a health physics officer at ,   Maralinga", Senator Garrick said. "In my reply I advised

Mr Rickard that if he had concern for his health he should  lodge a claim for compensation and I understand that he did  so in August 1982". ,

"I also advised Mr Rickard that the allegations which he had

made could most properly be examined by the Australian

Ionising Radiation Advisory Council which was in the course

of preparing a report on health and safety aspects associated

with the British atomic tests in Australia".

The Minister noted that AIRAC had been asked to prepare such

a report following various claims from a number of sources

on procedures and after effects of the tests.

"AIRAC, of course, reports to the Minister for Home Affairs and

Environment but I understand that its report is nearing

.conclusion and is expected to be available shortly. In

the meantime, the Government is continuing with a painstaking

survey of the health of all Australians who had even the most

remote association with the atomic tests in Australia".

"I emphasise that any person who is concerned that he may

have been exposed to radiation should contact my Department

to obtain information from the official records", Senator

Enquiries: P. Ryan

(062) 453525 (W)  (062) 477447 (H)

Carrick said.

Canberra  1 February 1983

