Australian Defence Force: Reservists

Mr Murphy asked the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 13 February 2002:

1. Did a reservist in the Australian Army suffer a heart attack at a training exercise at the Holsworthy Barracks in December 2001.
2. Was the reservist refused treatment at the Field Hospital at Holsworthy Barracks.
3. As a result of his status as a reserve soldier, was the reservist directed to a civilian hospital.
4. As a result of the refusal to treat the reservist, did the reservist die.
5. Are military hospitals instructed to refuse reservists for emergency medical treatment.
6. Why are reservists denied medical treatment in Defence medical facilities when injured during the course of military training.
7. Why are reservists on active duty sent to civilian medical facilities.

Mrs Vale - The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

1. No. A reservist in the Australian Army suffered a heart attack at Holsworthy Barracks during a training exercise in November 2001.
2. No.
3. No. The member's condition required treatment in excess of that which could be provided at a Service facility, and he was taken to Liverpool Hospital (a major facility capable of dealing with any emergency condition).
4. No. The member died as a result of his underlying condition.
5. No. Defence Instruction (General) Personnel 16-1 states at paragraph 6:
   
   The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will make available emergency medical and dental treatment to members of the Reserve Forces on duty on other than continuous full-time service. Where a member is on duty away from their home locality the ADF will also provide for the immediate treatment of acute conditions until the member is returned to their home locality. Where an injury or illness is attributable to service, the Reserve Force member comes under the provisions of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (1988).
6. Reservists are not refused treatment in ADF health facilities if injured during training while they are deemed to be on duty. Further treatment for injuries sustained during training may be provided through the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Service.
7. Any ADF member who requires treatment in excess of that able to be provided at an ADF health facility will be referred to the nearest suitable civilian facility, regardless of the precise form of military service.

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