The Hon Bruce Billson MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence
Federal Member for Dunkley

Dr John R Carroll
Honorary Secretary
HMAS Sydney & VLSV Association (VIC)

Dear John,

I am writing to inform you and your members of the results of the 2005 Third Vietnam Veterans Health Study (the Health Study) undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

The Health Study compared mortality and cancer incidence data of nearly 60,000 male Vietnam veterans with similarly aged Australian men who did not serve. The comparison covered a period of 35 years for the mortality component of the study, and 19 years for the cancer incidence study.

The running of the Health Study was overseen by a Scientific Advisory Committee made up of experts in fields such as epidemiology and medical science, and a Consultative Forum comprising representatives from the Vietnam veteran community and relevant associations. The Consultative Forum's valuable assistance helped my Department provide a comprehensive soundly-based study of the health status of Australian Vietnam war veterans.

It was found that Vietnam veterans have a 6 per cent lower mortality rate compared to the general Australian male population, while recording a 15 per cent higher incidence of cancer and 6 per cent higher cancer mortality rate than expected.

Other findings include:

• Veterans showed a higher rate of mortality or cancer incidence from conditions associated with alcohol misuse, smoking and excessive exposure to the sun;

• The suicide rate amongst Vietnam veterans did not differ from the general population. There were 421 suicide deaths of Vietnam veterans during the 35 year study period; and

• Navy veterans suffered higher levels of adverse health outcomes than their colleagues in the Army and Air Force. However, the study did not find any association between the higher cancer incidence of Navy veterans and the ship on which they served or the amount of time spent in Vietnam waters.

The findings of the Health Study suggested that the stringent recruitment requirements for the Australian Defence Force played a part in the lower mortality rates for veterans over the 35 year study period. Experts call this the healthy worker effect. This is a phenomenon in which those who are in paid employment are generally healthier than the general population, which consists of those who are able to work and those too ill or disabled to work. Many factors can modify the healthy worker effect, such as subsequent employment, lifestyle, age and length of follow-up.

To control for the healthy worker effect, the mortality and cancer incidence of National Servicemen who served in Vietnam and compared to those National Servicemen who did not. In effect, it was a study which compares two fit, healthy groups at the time of enlistment who differ only by their Vietnam service. It was found that:

• National service veterans experienced a 23 per cent higher overall mortality than National servicemen who did not serve in Vietnam (non-veterans);

• Deaths from motor vehicle accidents and suicide were significantly elevated among veterans by 31 per cent and 43 per cent respectively; and

• National Service veterans had a significant 14 per cent elevation in their rate of cancer incidence compared to non-veterans.

There was a strong healthy worker effect demonstrated by comparing the two groups of National servicemen. When compared with the Australian male population, overall mortality was 27 per cent lower than expected.

The Australian Government recognises that war service in Vietnam has had a negative impact on the health of many service personnel, as demonstrated by the National Service report.

The 2005 Vietnam Veterans Health Study validates earlier decisions to provide Government-funded treatment for all malignant cancers and post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depressive disorders, whether or not they have been accepted as service-related. The Health Study also indicates that Vietnam veterans are taking positive action to maintain their health and are successfully accessing early screening and treatment. Copies of the study reports can be obtained by calling 1800 502 302 or by visiting my Department's website at www.dva.gov.au/adf/health/adf_health_studies.htm#3vvms

My Department continues to provide a wide range of services for Vietnam veterans and their families, including financial support, health care, Counselling services and education assistance.

For example, the 2006-2007 Budget set aside $4.5 million to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and Australia's contribution in the Vietnam War. Access to the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service for children of Vietnam veterans is no longer limited to those aged 35 years and younger, the Long Tan bursaries for children of Vietnam veterans undertaking tertiary education have increased from $6,000 to $9,000 over three years, and the number of bursaries available has increased from 30 to 50.

For further information about the services provided by my Department to Vietnam veterans, please visit the website at www.dva.gov.au or alternatively you can contact your local DVA State Office on 133254 or Veterans' Affairs Network office on 1300 551 918.

I trust this information is of assistance to you.

Yours Sincerely

Bruce Billson

02 Jan 2007