Monday 23 June saw the first meeting of the reference group assisting the investigation into concerns raised by staff about the possible existence of a cancer cluster at Customs House.
The investigation is being led by Professor Tim Driscoll, Associate Professor
of Public Health at the University of Sydney. Professor Driscoll is an
experienced public health researcher who has conducted similar investigations
for the ABC and elsewhere in the public sector. As part of his investigation, he
will be in regular consultation with the reference group. This group includes
representatives from Customs management as well as your CPSU representative,
Simon Bowering.
Investigation priorities
Professor Driscoll has indicated that he will be examining a wide variety of
potential factors, including an examination of air quality and other equipment
at CHSIA. The investigation will also include an examination of X-Ray Machines
as a potential causal factor.
Professor Driscoll has also made clear that he wishes to examine the
possibility of other potential factors at facilities other than Customs House.
This will include an examination of known hazards such as AVGAS fumes, air
quality, and any other chemicals or hazardous materials that Customs Officers
may have come into contact with in the course of their duties at facilities
other than Customs House.
These issues may be relevant to Customs Officers who have at some stage
performed duties at the International Terminal, CEF, Clyde Post and during
performed duties in Air Cargo. Professor Driscoll is also interested in any
issues arising from older Customs facilities such as Blue Building, Link Road.
How can I contact the investigation?
If you have any information or concerns about any of these matters, CPSU
urges all Customs officers to speak to Professor Driscoll when he visits your
area within the few weeks. You can also raise these concerns with your CPSU
representative on the committee, Simon Bowering, at
simon.bowering@customs.gov.au
CPSU urges union members and all other Customs Officers to co-operate fully
with the investigation, and to provide any relevant information to Professor
Driscoll and the Reference Committee for consideration, to ensure that a full
and thorough investigation can be conducted.
CPSU will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation. If you have
any concerns, please contact Simon Bowering, or speak to your local workplace
representative.
