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The demand for investigations into existing and new Statements of Principles (SOPs) from veterans and veterans
organisations remained constant during this year. This year 22 new investigations were advertised.
There were 19 investigations completed by the Authority in 2002/2003 that resulted in 20 conditions having Statements
of Principles being determined. There are 35 ongoing investigations which is a slight increase from last year
Investigations outstanding have remained at a consistent level during the past three years. Investigations are
complex and require a total review of the published scientific literature. Statements of Principles now provide
cover for 274 particular kinds of injury and disease and 94% (approx) of Disability Compensation claims handled
by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The report from the Gulf War Veterans Health study was released early in 2003 and subsequently referred to the
RMA. After consideration of the findings the RMA will be closing its long-standing investigation into Gulf War
syndrome. A report commissioned by the Department of Veterans Affairs and prepared by the National Research Centre
for Environmental Toxicology in relation to dioxin contamination of drinking water on some naval vessels has been
referred to the RMA for consideration. This process is continuing.
The RMA Members together with Professors Gillian Turner and Bill Webster formed an Expert Committee, which was
appointed to examine the health concerns and associated issue raised by the Australian Special Air Services Association
regarding former members of the SAS Regiment. The Committee plans to present their report to the Minister for Veterans
Affairs in September 2003.
The RMA is in the process of finalising an investigation in response to a decision of the Specialist Medical
Review Council concerning hypertension and death from hypertension.
The RMA continued to be represented on the Consultative Forum for the study of health outcomes of personnel
involved in the F111 Fuel Tank Deseal/Reseal program as well as having observer status on the joint Defence /DVA
Medical Advisory Panel which deals with health issues arising from deployments.
The RMA continues to have telephone, written and face to face interaction with veterans and their representatives
to inform these groups about the functioning of the SOP system. An open forum with Ex-service organisation (ESO)
representatives was held in Melbourne prior to the May RMA meeting.
This year has seen changes to the personnel in both the Authority and the Secretariat. At the end of September
2002, Professor Duggan retired after over eight years of service to the RMA. Professor Duggans contribution to
the Authority was particularly valued by not only the Chairman, RMA members and Secretariat staff, but also the
ESOs who met him during his time with the Authority.
Professor Andrew Wilson joined the Authority in October. Professor Wilson is currently Professor in Public Health
and Deputy Director of the School of Population Health at University of QLD, previously Chief Health Officer &
Deputy Director- General, Public Health in NSW. He is a public health physician with research interests in all
aspects of the application of epidemiology to public health, clinical medicine and health service evaluation.
Dr Alex Bordujenko, Principal Medical Officer within the Secretariat, is soon commencing extended leave, and
has been replaced by Dr Justine Ward.
Mr Errol Davis, Registrar, passed away suddenly in February this year. RMA members, the Secretariat staff and
ESOs across the country, were saddened by Errols death and all acknowledged the outstanding work done by him as
the second Registrar of the RMA. The Chairman and Members of the RMA particularly recognised Mr Davis major contributions
in administration, and communication with veterans and ESOs.
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This page last updated 31 October 2003.
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