Occupational physician to oversee the review of health concerns of former APB workers

5/10/01
Practicing Occupational Physician Dr Andrew Harper has been appointed to conduct the independent review of health concerns of former employees of the Agriculture Protection Board (APB), Agriculture Minister Kim Chance announced today.
The review has been initiated to document the work conditions, chemical exposure observations and health concerns of former APB staff engaged in chemical weed control programs in Western Australia's Kimberley region during the period 1975-1985.
Mr Chance said Dr Harper was well qualified to conduct the review, having been involved with collaborative field research since 1968.
Dr Harper's work started at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney and included subsequent work at McGill University (Montreal), Laval University (Quebec City), McMaster University (Ontario) and Sierra Leone (West Africa).
"In addition to formal qualifications in occupational medicine and epidemiology and extensive experience in health research, Dr Harper has a particular interest in chemical injuries and dealt with a number of such cases during his many years in private practice," the Minister said.
"Dr Harper also has considerable experience as a consultant and has published a number of books and articles on population health matters.
"He was HBF Professor of Occupational Health Services at Curtin University between 1988-1998 and is currently Adjunct Professor, Division of Health Sciences at the same institution."
The reviewer will be assisted by a consultative committee, which will provide practical advice on the conduct of workshops and interviews with former employees and consultation with stakeholders.
A technical committee drawn from relevant departments, plus private medical specialists as necessary, will also provide advice to the reviewer.
Occupational health, epidemiology and toxicology specialists have already provided input to the review planning.
"The reviewer and supporting public health survey specialists will meet with affected people in the Kimberley as soon as possible," Mr Chance said.
"Advertisements have recently been placed in Kimberley newspapers and will follow soon on local radio to encourage former Kimberley APB employees to participate in the review process.
"I can assure all former APB employees that the reviewer's work will be independent.
"I encourage all former APB employees covered by the terms of reference to support the work of the reviewer to ensure that input to the report is both comprehensive and meaningful."
As soon as adequate registration of former APB employees has occurred, the reviewer will arrange the first group interview/workshop sessions in the key regional centres. Similar sessions at other locations would follow.
Interested parties are invited to register to participate in the review by telephoning 1300 658 556, by contacting the Kimberley Land Council in Broome on 9193 6199, by emailing rwalker@agric.wa.gov.au or sending a facsimile to 9474 5974.
Media contact: Mike Marren 9213 6700