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2002/2003 ANNUAL REPORT
16. Expert Committee - Australian Special Air Services Health Concerns
The RMA members were invited to form part of an Expert Committee, appointed on behalf of the Minister for Veterans'
Affairs in December 2002. The role of this committee as set out in the Terms of Reference is as follows:
1. Identify and document exposures of concern in relation to SAS operational skills enhancement and training
of former members, particularly in relation to counter terrorist and special recovery duties, including:
1.1 Lead and heavy metals exposure
1.2 CS Gas Exposure
1.3 Smoke and masking agent exposure
1.4 Asbestos exposure
1.5 Physical trauma and prolonged heavy physical activity
1.6 Blast and overpressure exposure
1.7 Stressor exposure
1.8 Pressure effects associated with diving; and consider
1.9 the synergistic effects of the above exposures
1.10 the potential for genetic alteration associated with the above exposures, and 1.11 the interpersonal relationship,
behaviour and lifestyle alteration that may be associated with above exposures.
2. Examine and report on whether there is any sound medical scientific evidence of adverse effects of the
above to former members of the SAS and if so, the strength of that evidence and the nature of those effects.
3. Prepare a brief to the Minister for Veterans Affairs and recommend:
- any further research considered desirable as a result of the investigation; and
- any particular matters that should be drawn to the attention of the RMA for its consideration.
As mentioned by the RMA Chairman in his Executive Summary, the other members of the Expert Committee are Professors
Gillian Turner and Bill Webster.
Following the Christmas-New Year period, arrangements were made for the members of the Expert Committee to visit
Perth in mid February 2003 to meet with both past and present members of the SASR. This visit also included a tour
of both Swanbourne Barracks and Bindoon training area.
This visit had both the benefits of allowing the committee members to see first hand the facilities, as well
as giving the opportunity for both past and present members of the SASR to raise issues with and provide information
to the committee members.
The Committee plans to present their report to the Minister for Veterans Affairs in September 2003.
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This page last updated 31 October 2003.
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