Antinuclear

 17 atomic bombs were detonated at Maralinga in South Australia and the Monte Bello Islands, off WA’s Pilbara coast, between 1952 and 1958. About 8000 Australian defence force personnel from the navy, army and airforce were exposed to the blasts, but between 1000 to 1500 are still alive.

The defence force personnel were ordered into radiation zones and told to clean planes and vehicles following the blasts. Compensation and health care has been available to victims under laws passed in 1986, 1988 and 2006 but a minority of victims did not meet the criteria.

They were exposed to radioactive cloud as it moved away from the testing site and outside the defined testing location.On Tuesday night, the Senate passed changes to the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 and the Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests (Treatment) Act 2006.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon said although the department is aware of 10 victims who were excluded there could be others….

Australian Nuclear Veterans Association spokesman Ric Johnstone, a former RAAF serviceman, was sent to Maralinga in South Australia in 1956 ahead of tests.

He said he saw many of his mates die of cancer or develop blood conditions in their 30s.

In his late 70s, Mr Johnstone is suffering cancer that’s spreading across multiple organs.

He told AAP it was a “disgrace” that 10 of his fellow victims had missed out on health care and compensation.

“We’re all dying a painful and anxious death,” he said.

Mr Johnstone said remaining victims were worried for their children and grandchildren who have been genetically affected by the radiation exposure.

He called for compensation to cover victims’ families   http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/aussie-nuke-testing-victims-receive-compo/story-e6frfku0-1226203059567#ixzz1eYw4Iz3H