Warren,
In 1987, the then CVD rules were successfully challenged in the AAT. In 1989, the Commonwealth facilitated and funded Denison as an AAT Test Case on the CVD rules.
The Commonwealth accepted the Denison outcome, consistent with its participatory and inclusive approach to the issue.
In the intervening period, zero evidence has emerged to challenge the safety of that decision. The recent actions of two of CASA's most obvious "dead men walking", ie the DAS and the PMO, are unconscionable and unsustainable on any available evidence, including that most tenuously described "research" of Watson.
You need to intervene.
You need to direct a "stay" on this change of policy. You need to direct that the previous policy be used to determine medical status pending a properly investigated change proposal. You can act decisively because there has been no change in the operational risk.
You need to do one of two things:
a. fund O'Brien's case in the AAT as a test case, including the provision of legal aid; or
b. vacate the AAT case and appoint a Government Inquiry that will independently examine the evidence and recommend Australia's future policy.
You need to act now.
HEAR BLOODY HEAR!
Well said 4dogs.