REPATRIATION MEDICAL AUTHORITY

INSTRUMENT NO. 122 OF 2011

VETERANS’ ENTITLEMENTS ACT 1986

MILITARY REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION ACT 2004

EXPLANATORY NOTES FOR TABLING

1. The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has determined, under subsection 196B(3) & (8) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) Statement of Principles Instrument No. 122 of 2011.
2. This Instrument amends Statement of Principles Instrument No. 43 of 2004 concerning neoplasm of the pituitary gland, by:

• deleting the existing onset and worsening factors concerning 'bilateral adrenalectomy';
• inserting a new factor 5(a) concerning 'bilateral adrenalectomy';
• re-numbering the existing factor 5(c) as 5(b); and
• replacing the existing clause 6 to reflect the changes to the factors.

3.             This Instrument also specifies a date of effect for the amendment in accordance with subsection 12(1)(a) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.

4.             Prior to determining this Instrument, the Authority advertised its intention to undertake an investigation in relation to neoplasm of the pituitary gland in the Government Notices Gazette of 12 May 2010, and circulated a copy of the notice of intention to investigate to a wide range of organisations representing veterans, service personnel and their dependants.  The Authority invited submissions from the Repatriation Commission, organisations and persons referred to in section 196E of the VEA, and any person having expertise in the field.  No submissions were received for consideration by the Authority during the investigation.

5.             On 21 June 2011, the Authority wrote to organisations representing veterans, service personnel and their dependants regarding the proposed Instrument and the medical-scientific material considered by the Authority. This letter emphasised the deletion of factors relating to undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy for ACTH secreting pituitary adenomas only. The Authority provided an opportunity to the organisations to make representations in relation to the proposed Instrument prior to its determination. No submissions were received for consideration by the Authority.

6.             The determining of this Instrument finalises the investigation in relation to neoplasm of the pituitary gland as advertised in the Government Notices Gazette of 12 May 2010.

7.             A list of references relating to the above condition is available to any person or organisation referred to in subsection 196E(1)(a) to (c) of the VEA.  Any such request must be made in writing to the Repatriation Medical Authority at the following address:

The Registrar

Repatriation Medical Authority Secretariat

GPO Box 1014

BRISBANE    QLD    4001