The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

DEFENCE MOVES TO PROTECT BERYLLIUM RECORDS

The Department of Defence has embargoed all documents relating to Beryllium. See the DEFGRAM at the bottom of this page.

Because this document has been released beyond Defence's boundaries it should not be read in a manner likely to create panic, nor should it be implied that Defence is attempting to hide or put in place a 'cover-up' of documents relating to Beryllium.

This DEFGRAM was obviously released with the intent of protecting the Department of Defence by ensuring that documents relating to Beryllium exposure do not mysteriously disappear in order that transparency can be maintained. If anything, it should assist any person in the discovery of documentation relating to Beryllium and poisoning.

If you have a compensation claim under legislation relating to Beryllium poisoning all documents will be able to be accessed through Freedom of Information legislation.

Regards,

Les Dwyer, National Pensions & Welfare Coordinator 19 April 2005