Dear Australian Federal Police Association members,

There have been some concerns raised with the Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) that indicate there may be a propensity for higher gastrointestinal illnesses among Australian Federal Police (AFP) employees. All classes of employees in all locations are potentially affected.

To further study the relationship between gastrointestinal illnesses and AFP work, Monash University has been asked by the AFPA to survey its members of the AFP. The purpose of this health study is to determine whether there is a difference in gastrointestinal illnesses in those partaking IDG and overseas deployment with those who do not. For this reason we need all AFPA members to complete the survey - not just those who have undertaken IDG or overseas service.

This questionnaire should take approximately 10-20 minutes to complete. For the purpose of the survey 'IDG', 'overseas posting', 'LO posting' or any other overseas service are the same, and may be referred to broadly as 'overseas service'. You should not need to differentiate between the terms used.

Your AFP service number (not your AFPA member number), name and email will be utilised by the AFPA in order to prevent duplication of responses, and will only be utilised for the purpose of administering the survey, and will not in any way form a part or be connected with the data collected in the survey. Non-responders and those with incomplete surveys will be sent reminders through email.

The AFPA will not be able to see any of your responses. These will be sent directly to the researchers at Monash University without any of your identifying details such as your name or AFP service number. In other words, your responses to the questions will be completely anonymous.

The results of this study will be reported to the AFPA, be accessible to members and may be published in a medical journal. The data will be presented as a group and will not identify any individual.

We encourage and urge you to participate in this important survey as the higher the response rate from you, the more meaningful the result will be. The survey may have a positive impact in your occupational health and safety and will address issues that have concerned many of your colleagues.

Thank you for your time and participation.