The Defence Asbestos and Hazardous Chemicals Exposure Scheme (DAHCES) provides current and former Defence employees, including cadets, to register their exposure if they believe they were exposed to a hazardous chemical during a Defence activity or undertaking.

The scheme also provides eligible persons access to a health assessment for exposure to asbestos, beryllium, cadmium and lead.

DAHCES is not a compensation scheme. The scheme does not provide access to treatment or compensation. The results of the health assessment can be used to support a compensation claim with either Comcare or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The scheme does provide financial compensation if travel of more than 50km (100km round trip) is required to attend a health assessment.

Registration

To register an exposure call 1800 333 362 (1800 DEFENCE).

Alternatively, complete the Hazardous Exposure Registration Questionnaire and email to yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au.

Hazardous Exposure Registration Questionnaire (DOCX, 387.48 KB)

Once registered, an information pack will be sent to eligible registrants with details on the process, including how to arrange a health assessment with the Defence service provider.