RSL Supporting Research on Brain Injuries in ADF
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed and is supporting research into brain injuries to service personnel, being undertaken by the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
As well, the RSL has also repeated its call for the Government to establish a brain injury program as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The incidence and impact of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is also being covered in the RSL’s current Scoping Study as a prelude to a major study on the health impacts of service in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO Scoping Study).
RSL National President Greg Melick says mTBI is a major concern, with evidence showing it can be caused by a mild blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body.
“The RSL is supporting research by Defence and DVA, including work with allies across the Five-Eyes and other militaries and research agencies, to better understand brain effects from service in the ADF and exposure to explosive action,” he said.
“We are aware that Defence and DVA are leveraging the latest research of the Five-Eyes community, including through regular engagement with the United States’ Veterans’ agencies.
“As well, the incidence and effect of mTBI and other specific physical and mental impacts on veterans of deployment in Middle East conflicts since 2002 will be covered extensively in the RSL’s proposed broad study, which is independent of Government.
“The initial scoping study is now underway to establish a road map for this major study that will take place over two to three years, where mTBI will be covered in great detail, along with many other aspects of veterans’ deployment in the Middle East and other theatres. The RSL is also aware of at least one other study in Australia and will take account of aspects of that work.
“The Government should now move quickly to establish a brain injury program, as recommended by the Royal Commission, noting that it has only ‘agreed in principle’ to the proposal, and it is still under consideration,” Greg Melick said.
