





Senator Mark Bishop  Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs  Senator for Western Australia

MEDIA RELEASE





19th December 2002                                                                                                       Ref:va.ms48/02





Veterans Pay for Service Hazards





The positive findings of an independent report that naval and other personnel serving in Vietnam  would have been exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water after distillation justifies the  long-held views of many veterans that the early death and illness of many veterans is due to their  exposure on service - a claim which continues to be denied by the Government.

It is tragic that it takes sick veterans so long to have their views treated seriously, and yet the  exposure of ADF personnel to hazardous conditions continues to result in post-service disability  and illness. The history of occupational health and safety for ADF personnel during service is a  long one, spanning generations, and still the Government drags its feet.

Claims by ex-service people who served at the atomic test sites in the 50s remain unsatisfied.  Similarly, those who served in Japan immediately after the war believe their service has resulted in  a range of deadly cancers. Vietnam veterans remain dissatisfied with the Government attitude to  Agent Orange and other herbicides.

Still today there is a separate inquiry by Veterans’ Affairs into the deseal and reseal of F111 fuel  tanks where personnel were ordered to enter the tanks without protection.

While there are serious issues concerning the lack of duty of care which end up as veterans’  problems, the lack of resources devoted by Veterans’ Affairs to these matters is seeing many  veterans go their grave before their claims are vindicated.

It should not take over 30 years to research known problems. Veterans deserve better.

The Government must immediately amend its compensation processes for veterans’ claims and  make immediate provision for these latest findings.

Media Details:  Senator Mark Bishop 0419 959 892 or Peter Reece 0414 677 441  Parliament House (02) 6277 3101

