MINISTER ACCEPTS FINDINGS OF GULF WAR VETERANS’ HEALTH STUDY

A major independent study into the health of veterans of the 1991 Gulf War has found no Gulf War Syndrome.

The study, released today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale, found no evidence of a syndrome unique to those who served in the Gulf. This follows similar findings in major studies in the United States and United Kingdom.

The study also found that the number of deaths and cancers amongst Gulf War veterans was lower than those expected in the general population.

Mrs Vale noted that Defence had already addressed the recommendation for improved psychological and educational support for personnel, particularly pre-deployment.

The study found that Gulf War veterans were more likely to report physical symptoms and were at greater risk of developing psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders, and of substance abuse.

“In the decade since the Gulf War the Australian Defence Force has introduced strategies to help prevent, identify and treat psychological disorders, particularly through the ADF Mental Health Strategy, launched in 2002,” she said.

“Greater emphasis is also being given to educating personnel preparing to deploy about chemical and biological weapons to improve their understanding and minimise the fear of uncertainty.”

Mrs Vale said the ADF’s initiatives in this area had already been recognised by the mental health sector.

“For example, Adelaide University Professor of Psychiatry Sandy McFarlane, a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee overseeing the study, recently told media that ‘the Australian Armed Services have done a great deal in the last two years to improve the quality of mental health care for their soldiers. In fact, there has been a new set of services the military has developed in recognition of these issues….. the services provided within the military are significantly better than those available to civilians in Australia'.”

Mrs Vale also noted that no personnel serving on ADF operations in the 1991 Gulf War were given anthrax vaccinations.

“This should help allay the concerns of veterans who contend that their receipt of anthrax immunisation is associated with the symptoms of the purported ‘Gulf War Syndrome’.”

The Minister said a comprehensive range of treatment and support programs was already available to Gulf War veterans.

“In addition to providing medical assistance and compensation to Gulf War veterans who present with conditions as a result of their war service, the Government also provides for full medical assistance for any Gulf War veteran who presents with an unidentifiable condition.

“I have asked the Repatriation Medical Authority to consider the study and advise me if further support and assistance is needed,” the Minister said.

The health study was conducted by a team from Monash University, under the supervision of an independent Scientific Advisory Committee and a consultative forum representing veteran and service organisations.

Veterans taking part in the study were examined and their health compared to a similar group of Australian Defence Force members who did not serve in the Gulf, as well as against the health of the general population.

The Minister thanked the veterans who had been involved in the study.

“Some 80 per cent of Gulf War veterans agreed to be examined for the study, enabling the study team to achieve results that were as accurate as possible,” she said.

The findings of the Gulf War Veterans’ Health Study are available online at www.dva.gov.au/media/publicat/2003/gulfwarhs/index.htm.

Media Contact: Rachael Thompson (02) 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289