Death and Dying in Western Australia
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From: "A. Fraser Hobday, CEO.gov" <ceo.gov@westralia.net>
To: <webmistress@getipm.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2004 10:23:43 +0800
Subject: Memorial Page- 50 Dead so far.
In the 1970s and 80s the Western Australian (WA) Agricultural Protection Board (APB) conducted herbicide spraying for noxious weeds in the Kimberley region of WA.The chemical used was 245T. However evidence exists that a batch of allegedly fire damaged chemical was imported from Singapore, possibly ex-Vietnam war and was criminally supplied to Derby APB workers in unmarked second-hand drums by the WA Government APB. This was contrary to the Poisons Act. Samples taken from the suspect batch indicated a dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) component of around 2600 times greater than the allowable limit implemented during the spraying program. Workers reported completely different physical characteristics of the suspect material when compared with normal 245T. Workers advise that one delivery alone of this chemical was enough to supply the Kimberley program for at least 15 years.
The supreme toxicity of this dioxin is undisputed. See our other notes on this page.
At the time of use, several workers became ill. A short while later the first of many premature deaths started occurring, together with birth deformities of babies fathered by former APB workers. More than 20 years later, the illnesses and deaths continue. Of the 90 or so affected workers about 40 are already dead. Many dying in their 30s and 40s.
What has the WA Government done for its former workers and families?
The workers have been fighting for more than 20 years to seek justice and compensation.
No government employee has been charged with the criminal activity that allegedly caused this continuing tragedy. At the time of use when workers complained of illnesses and injury being inflicted upon them and sought an alternative, APB management wrote that adverse publicity is not a valid reason to discontinue use. Furthermore, the letter continues that the writer does not support the workers undertaking any research about 245T.
It is well known among the former workers that they were told, "It was safe enough to drink".
Despite the many deaths, total and permanent disabilities, birth defects, and ongoing illnesses the government has not even provided the basic Workers Compensation entitlements.
The government has conducted several inquiries while more workers die. Yet still will not accept the evidence or responsibility of supplying its own workforce illegally, contrary to its own regulations, with an unknown substance. Unknown, because it was unmarked. The workers substantiate the physical difference of normal 245T and the product supplied. Federal Tariff investigation proved a significant quantity of off-specification herbicide (Toxic waste) was imported prior to delivery of the suspected material to Derby. The story of the Derby workers is repeated in Queensland and Yarram in Victoria.
Tracing the supply of the so-called "rogue batch" always comes back to the same complaints, same material description, and same importation source.
Still the WA Government says there is not sufficient evidence, even though they should be alarmed by their own assertions that the material has somehow "disappeared into thin air".
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