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Dateline - June 28th, 2006
Nuclear Test Participants to receive additional Health Care


All Australians who took part in the British Nuclear Testing Program in Australia from1952 to 1963 can now access health care through the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, announced today at the Victorian RSL state congress. Mr Billson said the Government recognised the special health needs of some nuclear test participants, identified in the newly released Mortality and Cancer Incidence of Australian Nuclear Test Participants study.

"Although the study found that the rate of some cancers among the nuclear test participants was higher than in the general Australian population, it did not find any link between the increase in cancer rates and exposure to radiation," Mr Billson said. "Despite the lack of association between cancer rates and radiation exposure, the Government has decided that it would be appropriate to provide health cover for nuclear test participants who have any form of cancer."

Mr Billson said military and civilian personnel who were involved in the nuclear testing program will be able to access treatment for all malignant cancers, such as those affecting the thyroid, stomach, prostate, liver, lung, skin, throat and breast as well as other non- radiogenic cancers such as non_melanoma skin cancer. They will also have access to ongoing health treatment for cancer-related conditions. "These health initiatives apply equally to Defence personnel, Australian Public Service employees and third party civilian contractors, and will complement existing compensation arrangements and benefits available under statutory workers' compensation schemes and the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986," he said.

Mr Billson said more than 11,000 participants of the British nuclear tests, which were conducted at Emu Field and Maralinga in South Australia, and at the Monte Bello Islands off the West Australian coast were involved in the health study. Of those participants, it is estimated that 5,500 are alive today. "While the overall mortality rate of study participants was not significantly different to that of the general Australian population, the overall death rate from cancer generally was found to be higher," he said. The mortality and cancer incidence study found that 420 (4 per cent) out of the approximately 11,000 study participants exceeded the annual occupation exposure limit for radiation workers.

"The majority of participants were exposed to less than 1mSv of additional radiation, which is the equivalent to one cat scan per year. To put this into context, the average Australian is usually exposed to the equivalent of between one and two CAT scans per year, from sources within our everyday environment," Mr Billson said. Mr Billson said the new health arrangements were aimed at improving the future health and wellbeing of the participants, and demonstrated the Government's commitment to addressing the health needs of all the Australians who were involved in the nuclear tests.

"I encourage any participants who have concerns about their health to request a test for cancer from their local doctor. If any cancers are found, they should lodge a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs for treatment," he said. "In addition, all Australians who were involved in the nuclear tests will be able to continue to make compensation claims under the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988."