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Australian Senate committee decides against compensation for victims of infected blood

BMJ 2004; 328 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7455.1518-f (Published 24 June 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;328:1518
  1. Bob Burton
  1. Canberra

    An Australian Senate committee of inquiry into the infection of over 8000 people with hepatitis C from blood transfusions and blood products has proposed a fund to improve their access to healthcare services but ruled out a compensation scheme.

    Canada and Ireland have instituted compensation schemes covering loss of income and medical costs and—along with Great Britain—the provision of lump sum payments. It was a model that the Senate committee baulked at.

    Chairwoman of the committee, Senator Jan McLucas, said: “If we had gone down the route of a compensation tribunal, it is the view of the …

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