THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Wednesday 20 January 2010
003 /2010
HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF ADF MEMBERS A PRIORITY
Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said
today that the Government was determined to support ADF members who
have been wounded overseas.
“The health and wellbeing of Defence personnel is a top priority for the Rudd
Government, and that is why we are putting considerable funding into new
and improved Defence health initiatives” Mr Combet said.
“For example, the Government is investing over $150 million over the next
decade into the ADF Rehabilitation Program which helps wounded ADF
members return to service or transition to the care they need.
“In fact, last year, that program achieved an 87 percent return to work rate
which is above the national average for similar programs.”
“Since coming to power the Rudd Government has also completed a thorough
mental health review within Defence, and has allocated funding of an
additional $83 million over the next four years to implement the
recommendations of this review.
“This includes enhancing the mental health workforce, improving mental
health training and expansion of programs to support members who are
suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. These funds are also targeted at
improving the transition services provided to members.”
“We are also researching and investigating new health care technologies to
support our troops in the field, including digital radiology and improved
surgical capability during deployments.
“We will continue to provide our personnel with world class health care, that is
why we are also funding a comprehensive e-health system to improve the
maintenance of ADF health records,” Minister Combet said.
Mr Combet also commented on reports in the media today about the number
of individuals who have been wounded on deployment.
“Over the last decade there have been a number of people who have been
wounded or injured during their course of their deployment. This is an
unfortunate result of what can be very dangerous work.
“This is why the Government is committed to improving health and wellbeing
programs for ADF members and the reason we have increased spending in
these areas.
“Of the 22,232 ADF personnel deployed to East Timor and the 25,650
deployed to Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO), 3,605 individuals have
made injury claims.
“I am advised by General Alexander, the head of Defence’s Joint Health
Command, that this health data shows that our defence force compares very
favourably in relation to our allies on the number of injuries and the
percentages of injuries that are occurring“ Minister Combet said.
Mr Combet also dismissed claims by the Opposition that the Defence Health
budget may be subject to cuts under the $20 billion Strategic Reform
Program.
“It is ridiculous for Mr Baldwin to criticise this Government on its contribution to
the Defence Health budget, given that we are spending more on health
services for our soldiers, sailors and air men and women than was spent by
the previous government.
“The reforms being made under the Strategic Reform Program will make sure
that we are able to spend even more on frontline services, such as priority
programs to support the health and wellbeing of ADF members.“
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
