Support for civilians and participants in the British nuclear tests

This page provides information for ex-service personnel and civilians who were involved in, patrolled at or were present in the British nuclear tests.

What were the British nuclear tests?

During the 1950s, the British Government conducted several nuclear tests in Australia which involved Australian Defence Force personnel. 

If you participated in nuclear testing or lived in a nuclear test area, you may be eligible for the following benefits with DVA:

• Veteran Gold Card
• Commemorative Medallion 
• Compensation

Veteran Gold Card

Australian participants (including certain civilians within the test areas) in the British nuclear tests in Australia may be receive a Veteran Gold Card.

For Gold Card holders, DVA pays for treatment in Australia for any medical condition, regardless of whether it is related to your involvement in the nuclear tests, when obtained from a healthcare provider who agrees to treat you under DVA health care arrangements.

Gold Card treatment is provided under the Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests and British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Treatment) Act 2006

Who is Eligible

The British nuclear tests in Australia were conducted at:

• Emu Field in South Australia
• Maralinga in South Australia
• Monte Bello Islands off the West Australian coast 

The major tests were conducted from 1952 to 1957, whereas minor tests were conducted until 1963. 

Australians participating in the tests (ADF members or Commonwealth employees or contractors), or civilians present in at least one of these testing areas within a 2 year period after the relevant test, are eligible for the Veteran Gold Card.

Commonwealth Police, Australian Federal Police and Australian Protective Service Officers who patrolled the Maralinga nuclear test area up to 30 June 1988 are also eligible.

Anyone who was in a nuclear test area at a relevant time is eligible, regardless of whether their presence in a nuclear test area was associated with the nuclear tests. This includes pastoralists and Indigenous people among others.

How do you apply?

If you were present at any of the nuclear test sites in Australia and wish to apply for a Gold Card, please complete the following DVA form: 

• D9056 - Apply for a Gold Card - Australian British Nuclear Test Participants and Australian British Commonwealth Occupation Force Participants

Commemorative Medallion 

A medallion commemorating Australian participation in the nuclear testing in Australia was minted in time for the 50th anniversary of the end of the major tests in October 2007 and recognises the service of those Australians who participated in or provided support to the British Nuclear Test (BNT) Program.

The Governor-General has approved for the UK Nuclear Test Medal to be added to the Schedule of Approved Countries and Awards. Australians awarded the commemorative United Kingdom Nuclear Test Medal are now approved to wear it alongside their other medals. For more information about the UK award, details of eligibility criteria and application forms are available at Nuclear Test Medal – Eligibility Criteria.

Who is Eligible?

Any Australian, whether military personnel, police or civilians who participated in or provided support to the British Nuclear Test (BNT) Program in Australia can make a claim for the Medallion.

How do you apply

If you participated in or provide support to the BNT Program in Australia and wish to apply for a Commemorative Medallion, please complete the following DVA form:

•  D9075 - Claim for Australian Participants for the British Nuclear Tests Program Commemorative Medallion.

Compensation