Senator KIRK (3:49 PM) —I seek leave to have a speech by Senator Mark Bishop on the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report Taking stock: current health preparation arrangements for the deployment of Australian Defence Forces overseas incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

Senator Mark Bishop's speech read as follows—

The adequacy of current arrangements within the department of defence for the deployment of the ADF overseas

The adequacy of record keeping of individual health and treatment episodes of those deployed, and access to those records by the individual

The adequacy of information provided to individual ADF members,

pre- deployment, of the likely health risks and anticipated remedial activity required

The adequacy of current administration of preventive vaccinations, standards applied to drug selection, quality control, record keeping and the regard given to accepted international and national regulation and practice

The engagement in this process of the Department of veterans' Affairs and the Repatriation Medical Authority for the purpose of administering and assessing compensation claims, and

The adequacy of the current research effort focussing on outstanding issues of contention from the ex service community with respect to health outcomes from past deployments, and the means by which it might be improved.

The concern of veterans at the unknown long term health effects of their exposure to hazardous material were confirmed.

Governments of all persuasions over the last 50 years have been reluctant to accept veterans' views due to the lack of medical scientific evidence on the cause and effect of that exposure

Policy in Australia with respect to the need to properly establish public liability has been strengthened with respect to that medical scientific evidence- as opposed to policy in the US and NZ for example, where a more presumptive, discretionary approach is applied.

Australian veterans would like to see that presumptive policy applied more liberally in Australia through Section 180 of the Veterans' Entitlement Act

Nevertheless the Committee found that the current attitude to presumptive policy and the need for public liability to be based on sound medical scientific evidence, is appropriate—and so recommended.

Research by successive Australian governments into the long term effects of exposures to various substances may have been inadequate until the last decade, but this reflected the state of research internationally, and the long gestation time of many disabilities, particularly cancers.

Australian governments in the last decade have been much more active in collecting baseline health data through surveys of various veteran populations, with the result that veterans can feel more assured that their concerns are not being ignored.

The long term separation of medical research between the Departments of Veterans' Affairs and Defence has hindered a more holistic consideration of veterans' concerns

But that the creation of the new Centre for Veterans' and Military Health is a positive move which will lead to better prioritisation, and bring greater focus to the need for better scientific knowledge.

While some aspects of the anthrax vaccination issue were exaggerated, the lack of pre-deployment information coordination demonstrated flaws in the deployment preparation process.

Pre- deployment health checks have improved, but more attention needs to be given to psychological briefing, preparation and assessment prior to embarkation.

Information on health protection and treatment services, including vaccination regimes, needs to be better communicated to all personnel.

Pre deployment health checks, debriefing and assessments need to be given continued emphasis, with record keeping of assessments being given priority.

Defence is committed to improving the health status and recording of data on personnel to be deployed—though I add personally there is a long way to go.

The importance of OH&S policy and administration is receiving more priority within Defence, but that a significant level of concern remains at the promulgation of those policies, the lack of accountability, and the need for incentives to do considerably better.

Maintenance of health records for serving personnel in recent years has become chaotic due to incomplete information and divided responsibility

Defence is aware of the particular health needs of women, but that it should demonstrate this by reporting on an annual basis.

DVA has become much more proactive in its research and more aware of the importance of obtaining as much data as possible, rather than waiting for veterans to identify needs later.

There has been improved rationalisation of research projects because of effective liaison between relevant agencies.

Recent efforts have been excellent, but more needs to be done to in communicating processes and outcomes to the veteran and ex service community.

Priorities for research need to be considered consultatively with the ex service community leadership

Mental health projects should continue to receive priority, including where appropriate, specific projects on problems arising from peacekeeping and peacemaking.

Debate adjourned.