Royal Commission on the Use and Effects of Chemical Agents on Australian Personnel in Vietnam

Appointed by Letters Patent of 13 May 1983, issued by Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen on the advice of the Hawke government. Justice Phillip George Evatt of the Federal Court was to inquire into the use of chemical agents in Vietnam between 31 July 1962 and 11 January 1973, their effects on Australian personnel, their spouses and children, the safety precautions taken, and the operation of the Repatriation Acts for claims of chemical-caused disability; the report was originally due by 30 June 1984.

Legislation: Royal Commissions Act 1902

1. 27 June 1984Letters Patent varied to set a final report date of 13 January 1985 and to require an epidemiological study of national servicemen.
2. 3 August 1984The June 1984 Letters Patent revoked and the reporting date set at 30 April 1985.
3. 23 April 1985Reporting date extended to 31 July 1985.

The final report, in nine volumes, is dated July 1985. It was widely reported as finding that Vietnam veterans had not been harmed by exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals; the findings and the report’s use of a party’s submissions were contested. The Parliamentary Handbook gives 22 August 1985 as the date the final report was presented.

• Inquiry into the use of chemical agents in the Vietnam War
• Inquiry into health effects on veterans and their families
• Review of repatriation claims for chemical-caused disabilities

Loading lineage…

Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.