Defence: Medical Board of Inquiry

Mr Price asked the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 17 November 2004:

1. Further to the answer to question No. 1674 (Hansard, 14 May 2003, page 14599), now that the findings of the WA Medical Board of Inquiry investigation are available, was Dr McKenzie an appropriate doctor to be posted to HMAS Kanimbla.
2. In respect of the controversy of the administration of anthrax vaccine to the personnel posted to HMAS Kanimbla, can she provide an assurance that (a) no personnel were disadvantaged as a result of Dr McKenzie administering anthrax vaccine, (b) no patient/doctor confidentiality has been breached, (c) no adverse medical reports have been placed on medical files, and (d) no person has suffered adverse promotional reports or disciplinary hearings.
3. How many personnel posted to HMAS Kanimbla have subsequently left the service.

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

1. Yes. At the time Commander McKenzie was posted to HMAS Kanimbla, he was a qualified and registered medical officer with the relevant skills and experience.
2.  
   1. Yes.
   2. Yes. Neither Maritime Headquarters nor the Joint Health Support Agency is aware of any breach.
   3. Yes. Neither Maritime Headquarters nor Joint Health Support Agency is aware of any adverse medical reports being placed on members' medical files.
   4. Yes. None of the eight Navy personnel who refused the anthrax inoculation have received adverse promotion reports, or been the subject of disciplinary action as a result of their decision.
3. From the crew of HMAS Kanimbla who entered the Middle East Area of Operations at the commencement of Operation Catalyst, 31 members have since discharged from the Navy and one other member died in service.

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