❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses delays in the Kimberley chemical use review report, seeking updates, medical assistance for affected workers, and progression of compensation claims. The Minister acknowledges the delay, explains the need for a comprehensive report, and outlines existing support and claims processes.
AnsweredQoN 1380Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the whereabouts of the report by the expert panel chaired by Professor Armstrong as part of the Kimberley chemical use review. (1) When was the panel originally expected to table a final report? (2) Is it the case that the final report of the panel has been delayed even further; and if so, when is the final report now expected? (3) If yes to (2), will the minister move to at last provide proper medical assistance to former workers who are suffering from the effects of chemical exposure? (4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(1) When was the panel originally expected to table a final report? (2) Is it the case that the final report of the panel has been delayed even further; and if so, when is the final report now expected? (3) If yes to (2), will the minister move to at last provide proper medical assistance to former workers who are suffering from the effects of chemical exposure? (4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(2) Is it the case that the final report of the panel has been delayed even further; and if so, when is the final report now expected? (3) If yes to (2), will the minister move to at last provide proper medical assistance to former workers who are suffering from the effects of chemical exposure? (4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(3) If yes to (2), will the minister move to at last provide proper medical assistance to former workers who are suffering from the effects of chemical exposure? (4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(5) See response to (2).
(1) When was the panel originally expected to table a final report? (2) Is it the case that the final report of the panel has been delayed even further; and if so, when is the final report now expected? (3) If yes to (2), will the minister move to at last provide proper medical assistance to former workers who are suffering from the effects of chemical exposure? (4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(2) Is it the case that the final report of the panel has been delayed even further; and if so, when is the final report now expected? (3) If yes to (2), will the minister move to at last provide proper medical assistance to former workers who are suffering from the effects of chemical exposure? (4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(3) If yes to (2), will the minister move to at last provide proper medical assistance to former workers who are suffering from the effects of chemical exposure? (4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(4) If yes to (2), will the minister allow existing documented workers compensation claims to proceed? (5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(5) If yes to (2), for what reason has the report been delayed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(1) Under the panel’s terms of reference, an interim report was to be provided within three months of the panel meeting and a final report to be provided as soon as possible. The panel delivered an interim report on 23 February 2003. (2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(2) Yes. A final date has not been set for the panel’s final report as it has been considered that it is more important for a comprehensive investigation of the issues to be completed to enable the panel to properly advise the Government. I expect a final report will be provided by December 2003. (3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(3) Proper medical assistance has always been available to support Agriculture Protection Board workers and can be readily accessed. The Kimberley nurse support and liaison service is available to assist those who consider that their medical needs are not being met. I encourage those who have outstanding medical issues to contact the nurse, who can assist in accessing specialist services where necessary. (4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(4) The claims are being held pending the expert medical panel’s advice to the Government. Once the report is released it will assist the insurer to make decisions. The system allows the claimants to pursue their claims through the conciliation and review process of WorkCover. (5) See response to (2).
(5) See response to (2).
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