❓ Question regarding compensation claims and health monitoring for former Agriculture Protection Board (APB) workers exposed to herbicides in the Kimberley region, following the Armstrong Inquiry. The response details the number of claims, payments, and the status of health monitoring and support services.
AnsweredQoN 3557Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Armstrong Inquiry Report, Herbicide Spraying in the Kimberley 2003-04, and ask -
(1) How many former APB workers, or relatives of deceased workers, have proceeded with compensation claims specifically for, -
(a) cancer-related claims; and
(b) non cancer-related claims?
(2) How many former APB workers, or relative of deceased workers, have received compensation payments for, -
(a) cancer-related claims; and
(b) non cancer-related claims?
(3) How many former APB workers, or relatives of deceased workers, are in negotiations over compensation payments for, -
(a) cancer-related claims; and
(b) non cancer-related claims?
(4) How many of the 90 APB workers identified in Dr Andrew Harper’s report have contracted cancer since 2004?
(5) Is the Government monitoring the health of the former APB workers?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) If yes to (5), -
(a) who is doing this;
(b) where and how is it being done; and
(c) how often?
(8) Is the nurse support and liaison service, that was established in 2004 to provide counselling and advice to ex- APB workers and their families about their cancer risk, still operating?
(9) If no to (9), why not?
(10) If yes to (9), -
(a) where is it operating; and
(b) who can access this service?
(1) How many former APB workers, or relatives of deceased workers, have proceeded with compensation claims specifically for, -
(a) cancer-related claims; and
(b) non cancer-related claims?
(2) How many former APB workers, or relative of deceased workers, have received compensation payments for, -
(a) cancer-related claims; and
(b) non cancer-related claims?
(3) How many former APB workers, or relatives of deceased workers, are in negotiations over compensation payments for, -
(a) cancer-related claims; and
(b) non cancer-related claims?
(4) How many of the 90 APB workers identified in Dr Andrew Harper’s report have contracted cancer since 2004?
(5) Is the Government monitoring the health of the former APB workers?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) If yes to (5), -
(a) who is doing this;
(b) where and how is it being done; and
(c) how often?
(8) Is the nurse support and liaison service, that was established in 2004 to provide counselling and advice to ex- APB workers and their families about their cancer risk, still operating?
(9) If no to (9), why not?
(10) If yes to (9), -
(a) where is it operating; and
(b) who can access this service?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 April 2011
Responded by
Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
29 days
(a) 26 cancer related claims
(b) 42 non-cancer related claims
(a) 9 cancer related claims
(b) 0 (zero) non-cancer related claims
(a) 1 cancer related claim
(b) 0 (zero) non-cancer related claims
The process of compensating former APB workers for cancer extended to all APB workers involved in weed spraying programs who were exposed to 2,4,5-T and not just the 90 APB workers initially surveyed by Dr Harper. There have been 23 cancer related claims since 2004. However, the time cancer was contracted for a number of claimants would have pre-dated 2004.
The expert medical panel led by Prof Armstrong in 2003, which conducted the Kimberley Chemical Use Review, did not recommend monitoring programs for former APB workers, as they were not likely to be helpful in reducing mortality. The Government supported this recommendation and there has been no monitoring programs put in place.
Refer to response under (5)
Not applicable
The nurse support and liaison service established in Derbyduring 2002 continues to be available as part of local health service. Formal additional funding ceased in June 2010 due to the low level of enquiry and follow up work required. However the matter will be kept under review.
Refer to response under (8).
(a) The service was based in Derby. Visits to other regional centres have been made as required to assist former APB workers and their families.
(b) The service was available to former APB workers and their families who have had health concerns arising from possible exposure to herbicides used in weed spraying.
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(b) 42 non-cancer related claims
(a) 9 cancer related claims
(b) 0 (zero) non-cancer related claims
(a) 1 cancer related claim
(b) 0 (zero) non-cancer related claims
The process of compensating former APB workers for cancer extended to all APB workers involved in weed spraying programs who were exposed to 2,4,5-T and not just the 90 APB workers initially surveyed by Dr Harper. There have been 23 cancer related claims since 2004. However, the time cancer was contracted for a number of claimants would have pre-dated 2004.
The expert medical panel led by Prof Armstrong in 2003, which conducted the Kimberley Chemical Use Review, did not recommend monitoring programs for former APB workers, as they were not likely to be helpful in reducing mortality. The Government supported this recommendation and there has been no monitoring programs put in place.
Refer to response under (5)
Not applicable
The nurse support and liaison service established in Derbyduring 2002 continues to be available as part of local health service. Formal additional funding ceased in June 2010 due to the low level of enquiry and follow up work required. However the matter will be kept under review.
Refer to response under (8).
(a) The service was based in Derby. Visits to other regional centres have been made as required to assist former APB workers and their families.
(b) The service was available to former APB workers and their families who have had health concerns arising from possible exposure to herbicides used in weed spraying.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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