Using the database as a tool

The database is a tool whereby research and investigation into the needs and resources can be accomplished for this modern day trauma.

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  The need for a database will:

• demonstrate a need for accountability in the use of toxic or any other chemical.

• will show that even with approved/legal chemicals they often have a toxic effect.

• demonstrate the need for changes to law and legislation, as to how chemicals are used, monitored and supervised and controlled here in Australia, e.g. Occupational, Health and Safety Issues.

• That present training in all areas of health, medicine and science is frequently inadequate and unsafe.

• It will show the need for appropriate and reliable research.

• The need for an appropriate support service in every field of community welfare.

• It will show the potential time bomb we have ticking away, as the list of young people becoming effected increases.

• As they become older and require more care and support, thus increasing the drain of the public purse and health system resources.
  
   

Competent administration of legal requirements

Appropriate research will demonstrate the need to establish  a competent administration and monitoring programme and authority.

 The arguments will be put forward by vested interests about whether it should be done by State or Federal authority or self regulation by the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

This may be reality but it wastes time and delays a final conclusion.

We have systems in place that only need to talk to one another instead of playing power games to achieve a productive result.

Self regulation?

Experience in both the private and public sectors has shown Self Regulation and monitoring has seldom, if ever, provided a satisfactory solution, due to the conflict of interests of the vested interests.

We have seen the result of the government setting in place an Audit division to make random checks, etc., then staffing them with a low level of experienced and qualified inspectors and field officers.

While there is no question that there are many honourable people, who will recognize the need to do something to protect the industries and community.

However we must accept there are those who will have a more self serving interest and to whom the mighty dollar is more important.

These are the ones who will try and defeat the intentions of an automats authority and try to have industrial  self regulation.

The need for Autonomy

The administration and monitoring organization needs to be autonomous and accountable to the appropriate Minister or Parliament, whether State or Federal, thus avoiding potential accusation of conflict of interests.

Need to encourage cooperation between industry, agriculture, commerce and all levels of government departments.

It is important to encourage agriculture, industry, commerce and governments, (at all Federal and State levels) to freely work together to examine the short and long term effect of using chemicals and plan regulations and strategies to avoid both the short term and the long term damage to the community and environment.

EXPANDING THE DATABASE AS A TOOL

So far this document has looked at the many different issues that need addressing if we are to develop a satisfactory Database.

Rather looking at a simple victim database, another option would be to include a chemical database.

The final decision as to whether this should be included will be made later.

Time and resources will resolve this issue

With the chemical database we need to consider who will control what controls are already in place and what chemicals should have their use banned.

It also raises the question as to whether the present system for reporting and registering is adequate and perhaps needs reviewing.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A TOXIC DATABASE?

1. Toxic chemicals in use in Australia to date

2. Under what conditions have they been approved, i.e. partial ban or controlled regulate conditions.

3. I should include addresses and contacts at Federal and State levels.

4. What controls e.g. bans regulations and law, including minimum level apply

5. What standard of audit and monitoring apply

6. What are the reporting procedures.

7. Raise the question whether the minimum standards are adequate

8. Does it include the regulation of imported chemicals as well as those manufactured here in Australia

9. What levels and quality of the qualifications, training and supervision of the regulatory bodies and their inspectors/auditors.

10. What are their powers of entry and powers to act.

11. Is there appropriate liaison between department, customs, technical registers and OH&S authorities, conservation, EPA, agriculture, Water boards/Resources and other authorities to name a few

12. Is joint action capability available

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