A
$21 million package in ex gratia payments and a continuing Health
Care Scheme for ex-deseal/reseal staff are two initiatives from
the Government’s response to the Study of Health Outcomes
in an Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP Health Study) report.
There will be a one-off, ex gratia payment of either $40,000 or
$10,000 to certain participants in the F-111 deseal/reseal programs
in recognition of the F-111 fuel tank working environment. This
payment is in addition to any normal entitlement that members
may have from compensation.
The Government has also replaced the Interim Health Care Scheme
(IHCS) with the newly created SHOAMP Health Care Scheme (SHOAMPHCS),
which has two participant categories. On August 19, all participants
in the IHCS automatically transferred to the equivalent category
in the SHOAMPHCS.
Further details are outlined in the leaflet, Health Benefits Available
to Participants of the F-111 Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft
Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP) Health Care Scheme.
The SHOAMP Health Care Scheme closed to new applicants from September
20.
Serving ADF members can register, but are covered by normal Defence
Health services. Department of Veterans Affairs is also planning
to provide registered personnel with a Cancer and Health Screening
and Disease Prevention Program. This program aims to monitor the
future health of F-111 deseal/reseal participants by assisting
in the early detection of conditions that may be linked to their
participation in deseal/reseal activities. Anyone with a medical
problem will then be provided with a referral for appropriate
medical care and attention.
DVA is contacting anyone who has submitted a compensation claim,
or who was registered with the Interim Health Care Scheme, to
provide them with further information about the criteria for the
lump sum payment and the SHOAMP Health Care Scheme. Personnel
who have not received a letter and believe they may be eligible
should contact DVA on telephone 1800 555 323 to speak with staff
dealing with the lump sum payments.
Contractors involved with the deseal/reseal programs were being
looked after by Workcover Queensland, who can be contacted on
(07) 3006 6565.
Public servants should contact Comcare on 1300 366 979.
For more information on the SHOAMP Health Care Scheme, call the
DVA Help Line on 1800 728 007 or go to www.dva.gov.au
