Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - 5 Dec 1995
"The function of our defence force is to protect Australia and its citizens, and our servicemen and women must be fit to serve anywhere and at anytime as directed by the government," acting Defence Minister Gary Punch said in a statement.
Punch said planned new regulations exempting the defence forces from anti-discrimination laws ensured military personnel were of "the highest medical standard."
The proposal was approved by senior ministers today.
"The Australian community expects that members of its defence force are well-equipped, well-trained, fit and free from any disease or disability," Punch said.
"The Australian defence force has genuine concern and compassion for any members who are, or may become, unfit and are unable to fulfill their roles.
"However, to recruit people with a condition or disability not compatible with operational service would not be operationally effective and would seriously impede the defence force's war fighting capabilities."
Punch said the government was not discriminating against HIV/AIDS sufferers and that the ban also applied to such diseases as asthma, peptic ulcers, diabetes, gout, epilepsy, recurrent migraines and sciatica.
951205
RE951222
Copyright © 1995 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .