Probe into antimalarial drugs

THE Senate inquiry into the use of the antimalarial drugs mefloquine and tafenoquine in the Australian Defence Force was announced yesterday.

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee is calling for submissions to its inquiry into the use of the drugs.

Serving and ex- serving personnel and medical professionals are encouraged to speak up about their concerns and experiences with the drugs.

Herbert federal Labor MP Cathy O’Toole said the inquiry was important to the Townsville community.

“I’ve been advocating for this since before I was elected. It’s a really, really important issue. Labor has driven this really hard,” she said.

“People I’ve spoken to want their voice heard.

“The ability to give evidence and be listened to is important for them.”

Ms O’Toole said the inquiry would compare international literature with its own findings.

“We’ll be looking at drug reaction, adverse health effects, what support is available for families and see how governments are responding,” she said.

“I’ve already received a huge number of emails, people pulling me up in the street and veterans saying thank you.

“There’s a real sense of relief, it’s important for this group of people.”