A former Army Major questioned a particular research, which revealed that there was no link between increased cancer rates among those who took part in British nuclear tests in Australia in the 1950s - and their exposure to radiation.
According to the he Federal Government commissioned study while those who took part in the nuclear tests did have higher rates of certain cancers, it was not linked to their exposure to radiation.However Veterans Affairs Minister, Bruce Billson, said that despite having no connection, there would be free cancer treatment for those who took part.
Former Army Major, Alan Batchelor, who was present at the nuclear test site, and participated in the study, claims the results are flawed and that there was a link.
According to him information in the study, which showed extremely high radiation levels among veterans are ignored in the findings.
He said, ‘You will find that the levels are about 200 times out. I've taken these discrepancies to both Ministers Nelson and Billson and I've spoken to the study about them but nobody seems to have taken any notice.’
While the RSL has also expressed doubts about the study they have welcomed the Government's offer of free health care for cancer sufferers involved in the atomic testing.
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