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The Commissioner, Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission
133 Castlereagh Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000

Re: Chemical Illness and Injury

Dear Commissioner,

Current government policy has resulted in weakened legislation, regulation and unsustainable development. Because of this, we have all been exposed to many chemicals and other toxins in our air, food, water, homes and workplaces that have increased the rate of disease and disability in the community. Because of airborne pollution and the explosion of chemical products that are of unknown safety (1, 2) many in the community are suffering from chemical illness and injury, including multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).

To date, government has made no effort to gather data on adverse health impacts from consumer products or airborne pollution, and there is little public education to alert the population that the chemicals they are exposed to or are using may be unsafe.

While the HREOC and the DDA has done a good job with some forms of disability, it has not worked for those with Chemical illness and injury/MCS. Individuals with chemical illness and injury/MCS are currently disadvantaged under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC) and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) as it has not assisted them to obtain equitable access to essential facilities and necessary care.

There are many suffering disability discrimination who urgently require disability access to health care facilities and affiliated services e.g. disability services, respite, public housing, crisis accommodation; other public services such as transport and schools; while some are disadvantaged in the workplace. Many such individuals are isolated from their families, friends and the community as they are disabled on contact with chemicals, which include commonly used products such as pesticides, fragranced products, cleaning products, paint, glues, motor exhausts, smoke.

They must avoid these products because in the absence of treatment, avoidance is the only way they can protect their health and quality of life. Such individuals do not have equitable access, they cannot achieve their potential or take part in society. Like others with disability, they are often the most impoverished in the community with the highest level of special need.

Because individuals with chemical illness and injury/MCS have needs that are not being met in current service provision, government recognition is essential to: include such individuals in health, disability and other social services; and to ensure that they are included in planning for future service provision. Many attempts to have chemical illness and injury, especially MCS, recognised and addressed at government level have been unsuccessful so far.

Therefore, I ask that the HREOC use its powers to initiate an enquiry into chemical illness and injury/MCS with the aim of facilitating recognition of the problem so that:

1. The objectives of the HREOC and the DDA in regard to those in the community with chemical illness and injury/MCS are met i.e. equitable access.

2. Social issues related to chemical illness and injury/MCS are investigated and addressed

3. There is an investigation into disease and disability caused by current levels of pollution (3).

4. There is an investigation into the safety of chemical products and the disease and disability caused by chemical exposures. Points 3 and 4 are preventable diseases.

5. A Bill of Rights is developed and enshrined in legislation to ensure all Australians have human rights that are fully enforceable.

Yours sincerely,

Signed:


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