DECLARATION UNDER SUBSECTION 196B(6)
OF THE VETERANS’ ENTITLEMENTS ACT 1986
CONCERNING SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO HEARING LOSS
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority), under subsection 196B(6) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the Act), makes the following declaration in respect of the investigation concerning signal to noise ratio hearing loss notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 20 October 2025.
The Authority declares that it does not propose to make a Statement of Principles concerning signal to noise ratio hearing loss, for the purposes of subsection 196B(2) or (3) of the Act. The reason is that the Authority is of the view that the sound medical and scientific evidence is insufficient to enable the Authority to determine a causal link between noise exposure and signal to noise ratio hearing loss either on the basis of reasonable hypothesis or balance of probability. The sound medical and scientific evidence is therefore insufficient in order to determine Statements of Principles for signal to noise ratio hearing loss.
By and on behalf of Repatriation Medical Authority: | |
| PROFESSOR TERENCE CAMPBELL AM CHAIRPERSON 16 April 2026 |
Overview
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 was enacted to provide a range of benefits and services to veterans and their families, addressing various needs that arise from their service. The Act was introduced to fill the gap in providing comprehensive support to veterans, ensuring they receive the care and compensation necessary for their well-being. The policy objective behind the Act is to honour the sacrifices made by veterans by offering them the necessary support systems and medical benefits. The Repatriation Medical Authority, under the Act, plays a crucial role in assessing and determining the eligibility for various benefits and in making Statements of Principles concerning conditions related to military service. In this context, the Authority's recent declaration regarding signal to noise ratio hearing loss reflects its commitment to basing its decisions on sound medical and scientific evidence, underscoring the importance of rigorous evaluation in providing appropriate support to veterans.
Scope and Application
The declaration made by the Repatriation Medical Authority under subsection 196B(6) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 concerns the decision not to make a Statement of Principles regarding signal to noise ratio hearing loss. This decision applies to all individuals who may be affected by this particular type of hearing loss, especially veterans who have potentially been exposed to noise hazards during their service. The Authority, as a statutory body within the Commonwealth of Australia, has the mandate to make such declarations to guide the eligibility for certain veterans' entitlements. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this declaration is national, applying uniformly across Australia as the decision pertains to the overarching federal legislation of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986. While the declaration itself does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, its implications suggest that veterans with signal to noise ratio hearing loss may not be eligible for specific entitlements unless future evidence sufficiently establishes a causal link.
Additionally, the scope of the declaration can be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments which may provide further details or conditions. The Repatriation Medical Authority's decision is based on the current state of medical and scientific evidence, which, according to the declaration, is insufficient to support a reasonable hypothesis or balance of probability regarding the causation between noise exposure and signal to noise ratio hearing loss. This legislative application underscores the Authority's responsibility to ensure that entitlements are based on robust evidence, thereby preventing potentially unwarranted claims and maintaining the integrity of the veterans' benefits system.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this document are subsections 196B(2), (3), and (6) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. These subsections pertain to the declaration made by the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) regarding the investigation into signal to noise ratio hearing loss. Specifically, subsection 196B(6) empowers the Authority to make a declaration concerning the sufficiency of medical and scientific evidence to determine a causal link between noise exposure and hearing loss. In this case, the Authority has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish such a causal link, and thus, it does not propose to make a Statement of Principles concerning signal to noise ratio hearing loss under subsections 196B(2) or (3).
The Authority, as the governing body, has the obligation to evaluate the available medical and scientific evidence to determine if there is a sufficient basis to link noise exposure with signal to noise ratio hearing loss. This evaluation process is crucial in making informed decisions regarding Statements of Principles. In this instance, the Authority has assessed the evidence and concluded that it is insufficient to establish a causal link. This conclusion is based on the lack of reasonable hypothesis or balance of probability that can be supported by the available evidence.
Failing to comply with the obligations imposed by the Act, such as making an accurate assessment of the medical and scientific evidence, could result in legal consequences. Although this specific document does not outline specific offences or penalties, the overarching Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 may impose civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance or misconduct. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Act may vary depending on the nature and severity of the offence, and could include fines or imprisonment. It is essential for the Authority and all parties involved to adhere to the Act’s requirements to avoid any potential legal repercussions.