QNI exit medicals to begin as tenderer named

Exit medicals for Queensland Nickel workers who lost their jobs earlier this year will begin within days, with Sonic HealthPlus named as the successful tenderer to conduct the tests.

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service has announced Sonic HealthPlus will deliver the exit medicals through their national network of medical centres and clinics from the week beginning September 12.

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government had responded to the call to provide support to former workers during a challenging time.

He said exit medicals were standard industry procedures in the mining and mineral-processing industries and were routinely offered by employers.

“These tests are critical to ensuring the health and wellbeing of 800 former Queensland Nickel workers who were made redundant this year,” he said.

“The circumstances these former QNI employees found themselves in earlier this year was very unfortunate and given the nature of their work and the possible exposure they may have had during their employment to harmful chemicals it is vital that they receive their exit medicals.

“Our government has stepped into the breach to provide this service to support local workers to give them peace of mind as they enter the next phase of their lives.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the exit medicals marked a major win for locals affected by job loss earlier this year.

“For former QNI workers it can be a difficult task to gain employment without the right checks being carried out,” he said.

“Ensuring they have their exit medicals means one less hurdle for these members of our Townsville community as they set about starting the next chapter in their working lives.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said answering the call for exit medicals for former QNI staff was another demonstration of the Palaszczuk Government looking after regional Queensland.

“This is another example of our government listening and responding to the needs of Queenslanders, wherever they live, and taking action to better the everyday lives of those facing adversity,” he said.

Sonic HealthPlus Senior Specialist Occupational and Environmental Physician Dr Keith Adam said a plan had been developed to ensure former workers could access the exit medicals in a timely and appropriate way over coming weeks, regardless of where they live.

“Prior to the exit medicals beginning, Sonic HealthPlus will be running advertisements in local media, contacting relevant unions and establishing a dedicated phone contact for people to enquire about the exit medicals,” he said.

“We will be delivering these medicals via a national network of clinics which means we will be able to cater for those workers still in Townsville but also those who have since moved interstate.”

Mr Dick said workers who had been made redundant following the closure of the Yubulu plant would have six months from when the exit medicals begin to access this service.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Minister’s office, Anika Hume: 0439 253 815

Sonic HealthPlus, Haley Wilkinson: 0455 081 968