THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Friday, 30 October 2009
091 /2009
EAST TIMOR AND BOUGAINVILLE HEALTH STUDIES COMPLETED
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced
results of the Bouganville and East Timor Health Studies.
“The Bougainville and East Timor studies focused on the health effects of these
deployments. The studies made a comparison between personnel who deployed and those
who did not deploy, examined mortality and cancer rates, mental health, general health and
lifestyle factors,” said Mr Combet.
The Bougainville Health Study included veterans who deployed between 1997 and 2003
while the East Timor Health Study focused on ADF personnel who deployed between 1999
and 2005.
The studies found mortality and cancer rates for the Bougainville and East Timor veterans
were no different to the rates of personnel who did not deploy. They also found that there
were no significant differences in symptoms of post-traumatic stress for East Timor and
Bougainville veterans compared to non-veterans. Overall rates of high risk drinking
behaviours were also very low among veterans of both studies.
Fatigue was the most common symptom reported by veterans from both studies which is
also the most commonly reported symptom in similar studies, both nationally and
internationally.
“These results will help inform policy that will support the health of ADF members, and
identify any need for improvement in areas of healthcare to members post-deployment. We
will also look to follow up in the future these results to see how they change over time,” said
Mr Combet.
“Maintaining the health and wellbeing of ADF personnel is a priority for the Government,
particularly in times of high operational tempo. These studies help us to understand the
unique physical, mental and emotional impacts that deployments can have on our members.”
The Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health has been funded by the Departments of
Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, to undertake independent research studies through the
Deployment Health Surveillance Program.
The next study funded under this program will examine the health effects of deployment to
the Middle East Area of Operations and is scheduled to begin at the end of this year.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Assoc Professor Susan Treloar (CMVH):
0423 849 101
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
