The
Department of Veterans’ Affairs has established a
dedicated mefloquine support team for our serving and
ex-serving community.
In its response to the Foreign
Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee Report on Mental
Health of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Members and
Veterans, the Australian Government committed to
additional support for current and former ADF members
who have been administered mefloquine.
The Government will:
- establish
a formal community consultation mechanism to provide an
open dialogue on issues concerning mefloquine between
the Defence Links Committee and the serving and
ex-serving ADF community;
- develop a
more comprehensive online resource that will provide
information on anti-malarial medications;
- establish
a dedicated DVA mefloquine support team to assist our
serving and ex-serving ADF community with mefloquine-related
claims, which will provide a specialised point of
contact with DVA; and
- direct the inter-departmental DVA-Defence Links
Committee to examine the issues raised, consider
existing relevant medical evidence and provide advice to
the Government by November 2016.
Minister
for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Dan Tehan
said the Government was committed to supporting veterans
and ADF personnel who were concerned about possible
side-effects of taking mefloquine.
"Any former
member who was administered mefloquine by the ADF and is
concerned about possible side effects, can lodge a claim
for a condition that they think was caused by mefloquine.
As part of the claims process for the condition, DVA can
arrange an appointment with an appropriate medical
practitioner and meet the costs of any required medical
report," Mr Tehan said.
"Current
and former ADF personnel can also access free mental
health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), depression, anxiety, as well as alcohol and
substance use disorders, without having to prove it is
service related. From 1 July 2016, eligibility for this
treatment has been extended to all past and present
fulltime members of the ADF who served one day or more,
regardless of when they served, or the nature of their
service.
"The
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service
provides free, confidential, nation-wide counselling and
support for eligible current and former ADF members and
their families. The VVCS can be contacted 24/7 on 1800
011 046.
"My message
to veterans and ADF personnel is if you are worried
about how you are coping or feeling, then seek help
early. If you know someone and are worried about them,
speak up and ask them if they are OK."
The
Government has announced it will establish the first of
12 Suicide Prevention Trial Sites in North Queensland —
home to a large ADF and veteran community — with a focus
on veterans’ mental health.
Additionally, the National Mental Health Commission will
review suicide and self-harm prevention services
available to veterans and ADF members.
