Government
Media
Statement
8 January 2010
Lara Giddings
Minister for Health
Rosebery Investigations
Health Minister Lara Giddings today rejected the demand from the Toxic Heavy Metals Taskforce that the State Government intervene in health investigations at Rosebery.
Ms Giddings said the Government had full confidence in the Director of Public Health Dr Roscoe Taylor and his Deputy, Dr Chrissie Pickin.
“Dr Taylor and Dr Pickin have overseen a thorough and assiduous investigation into the allegations of heavy metals poisoning of some Rosebery residents, including commissioning expert toxicology advice from a leading national expert.
“Those investigations have at all times been conducted with an open mind as to the cause of the health problems reported by residents.
“The investigations have been extremely thorough and so far have not identified any plausible pathways for harmful environmental exposure.
“I understand the residents’ concerns about their health and it is really important that they do provide all relevant information so we can get to the bottom of this issue.
“However, while the residents may be disappointed at the outcome, it is not acceptable for the Task Force to denigrate Dr Taylor and Dr Pickin in the disgraceful manner that it has done so today.
“The Director of Public Health has reopened his investigation to assess a new claim involving the medical diagnosis of possible heavy metals poisoning of a number of residents and former residents.
“Dr Taylor has formally required the production of clinical and other information to assist the new investigation and has already indicated that he intends to commission independent evaluation by national clinical experts in the field. I understand that a large amount of clinical information has already been received, with more expected over the coming weeks.
“Dr Taylor’s role as Director of Public Health is to establish – without fear or favour – whether or not there is a previously unrecognized public health risk, including a plausible exposure pathway sufficient to cause health harm from environmental exposure to heavy metals.
“So far such a risk has not been established.”
Ms Giddings said Rosebery residents and all Tasmanians could have confidence in the professionalism of the Director and Deputy Director of Public Health.
“They are very experienced, level-headed public health doctors and the Government has every confidence that they will continue to investigate and report on this issue professionally and thoroughly.”
Lara Giddings Minister for Health
