Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA001
14 January 2009
DECISION TO REVIEW GULF WAR SYNDROME WELCOMED
The decision by the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) to re-examine Gulf War Syndrome
has been welcomed by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin. A recent review into Gulf
War Syndrome in American veterans has prompted the RMA’s investigation.
“It is important that we carefully investigate any information that may affect Australian veterans,
particularly in regard to their medical conditions or treatment.
“I look forward to the results of the RMA’s investigation,” Mr Griffin said.
1873 Australians served in the Gulf War, the majority of which were Naval personnel.
Currently, despite the lack of an acknowledged “syndrome”, Australian Gulf War veterans
suffering ill effects from their service, including symptoms associated with Gulf War Syndrome,
have access to compensation and health care through the Repatriation system.
The RMA is an independent statutory authority and its investigation will be conducted separate
to the Government. The RMA has invited interested people and organisations to make
submissions on this matter after obtaining a copy of the RMA Submission Guidelines from
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
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