Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Health and Ageing has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

There is no formal review being undertaken of ARPANSA.

At the request of ARPANSA's CEO, the Audit and Fraud Control Branch (AFCB) of the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) is undertaking an initial investigation into ARPANSA's handling of the Yttrium 90 and Molybdenum 99 incidents at the radiopharmaceutical site at ANSTO, with specific regard to those matters relating to impartiality.

AFCB will also provide advice to ARPANSA on whether any further investigation is warranted and if so, how such an investigation could be undertaken.

(2)   There is no panel. Mr Colin Cronin, Assistant Secretary, AFCB of the Department is carrying out the investigation, with assistance as required from Departmental lawyers.

(3)   Discussions have been held with current and former staff of ARPANSA and Mr David Reid.

(4)   No inspections have been conducted.

(5)   The investigatory work commenced on 31 March 2011 and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2011.

(6)   Advice from AFCB will be provided directly to ARPANSA.