The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

003/05 Wednesday, 9 February 2005

CONCERNS ALLAYED OVER BERYLLIUM

The Departments of Defence and Veterans' Affairs (DVA) have today moved to re-assure current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) concerned about exposure to beryllium.

DVA has a long-standing compensation system in place for determining claims such as those arising from beryllium exposure.

A small number of beryllium related cases have been dealt with under this system. Any current or former member of the ADF who believes they have a health problem arising out of their service in the ADF and who wish to make a claim are encouraged to contact DVA.

A Beryllium Information Service will be set up through the Defence Service Call Centre at Cooma, which will provide an opportunity for personnel and the public to register their names.

Individuals who register will be contacted in writing regarding the appropriate course of action for their circumstances. The Departments of Defence and Veterans Affairs will liaise to ensure that all persons who so register receive coordinated advice.

Veterans' Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly said she wished to re-assure current and former Defence personnel who may be concerned following alarmist media reports about beryllium.

"The adverse health effects of beryllium are uncommon and are generally associated with short term high-level exposure or with long term low-level exposure," Mrs Kelly said.

She said regulations and safety standards are in place regarding the use of beryllium in today's ADF.

Mrs Kelly said Defence and DVA have been working closely to resolve the issues surrounding exposure to beryllium.

"Defence and DVA are committed to taking all reasonable steps as quickly as possible to provide information to those who are concerned about beryllium related issues," she said.

The Beryllium Information Service will be operational in one week and a contact number for the register will be announced at that time.

In the meantime, individuals who wish to make a claim related to beryllium exposure should contact DVA on 133 254 or 1800 555 254.