Amendment of Statement of Principles concerning acute blepharitis No. 19 of 2004

Overview

The Legislative Instrument No. 19 of 2004, issued under the authority of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, aims to amend the Statement of Principles concerning Acute Blepharitis. This legislative amendment was enacted to update and clarify the definition of "irritant substances" within the context of veterans' entitlements. By revising the definition, the legislation seeks to ensure that the list of substances that can cause an irritant effect is comprehensive and relevant to contemporary circumstances, thereby providing better protection and recognition for veterans affected by such substances. The Repatriation Medical Authority, as the enacting body, has undertaken this revision to address the need for an updated understanding of irritant substances, reflecting modern industrial and environmental conditions. This amendment applies to all matters governed by Instrument No. 115 of 1995 and section 120A of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. The legislative instrument was made on the 24th day of May 2004, and the affixing of the Common Seal by KEN DONALD, CHAIRMAN of the Repatriation Medical Authority, signifies the official enactment of this change. The overarching policy objective is to ensure that veterans' entitlements are fairly and accurately assessed based on a current and inclusive definition of irritant substances.

Scope and Application

The legislative instrument No. 19 of 2004 amends the Statement of Principles concerning Acute Blepharitis under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. This amendment is made by the Repatriation Medical Authority and specifically revises the definition of "irritant substances" in clause 4 of Instrument No. 115 of 1995. The amendment redefines irritant substances to include dyes, oils, industrial chemicals, tobacco smoke, or CS agent, thereby expanding the scope of what may be considered an irritant in the context of veterans' entitlements related to acute blepharitis. This change applies to all matters governed by Instrument No. 115 of 1995 and section 120A of the Act, ensuring that the updated definition is uniformly applied across relevant cases. The amendment does not introduce any new exclusions or exemptions but refines the criteria under which irritant substances are recognised, potentially impacting the assessment and compensation of veterans' claims related to acute blepharitis.

Key Provisions

The legislative instrument (F2005B02657, Instrument No. 19 of 2004) amends the Statement of Principles concerning Acute Blepharitis as per the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. Specifically, it modifies clause 4 of Instrument No. 115 of 1995 by replacing the existing definition of "irritant substances" with a new definition (section 196B(2)). The updated definition now encompasses substances that cause an irritant effect such as dyes, oils, industrial chemicals, tobacco smoke, or CS agent. This amendment applies to all matters governed by Instrument No. 115 of 1995 and section 120A of the Act. This amendment imposes specific obligations on parties involved in claims related to acute blepharitis under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. Claimants must now adhere to the new definition of "irritant substances" when presenting evidence of exposure to substances that cause an irritant effect. The definition clarifies the types of substances that can be considered, thereby streamlining the process for evaluating claims related to exposure to irritants. The Repatriation Medical Authority is also required to apply this amended definition in its assessments and decisions regarding veterans' entitlements. Failure to comply with the provisions of this legislative instrument may result in consequences for the parties involved. While the specific civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text, it is implicit that breaches of the Act's provisions could lead to legal repercussions. The penalties may include fines, legal action, or other consequences as prescribed by the Act. The maximum penalties, if applicable, would be determined by the specific nature of the breach and the relevant sections of the Act. The legislative instrument is dated 24 May 2004, and it was executed in the presence of Ken Donald, the Chairman of the Repatriation Medical Authority. The authority affixes the Common Seal to this instrument, signifying its official endorsement and implementation of the changes. This formal process ensures that the amendments are legally binding and enforceable under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.