Notice of Investigation limited to matters relating to the following contents of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 1 & 2 of 2009, concerning alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse

NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION

Section 196G of the

Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986

The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) gives notice under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) that, as there are grounds for such a review, it intends to carry out an investigation pursuant to subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA, limited to matters relating to the following contents of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 1 & 2 of 2009 concerning alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse:

1. the definition of alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse; and
2.             any consequential effects on any factors with regard to alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.

The Authority invites the following persons and organisations to make written submissions to the Authority in respect of the investigation:

 a person eligible to make a claim for pension under Part II or Part IV of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986;

 a person eligible to make a claim for compensation under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (the MRCA);

 an organisation representing veterans, Australian mariners, members of the Forces, members of the Peacekeeping Forces, members within the meaning of the MRCA, or their dependants;

 the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission; and

 a person having expertise in a field relevant to the investigation.

The Authority will hold its first meeting for the purposes of this investigation on 10 December 2013.

Persons and organisations wishing to make a submission should obtain a copy of the RMA Submission Guidelines from the RMA website [www.rma.gov.au] or by contacting the RMA Secretariat at the address or telephone number below.

All submissions must be in writing and received by the Authority at the address below no later than 22 November 2013.

The Common Seal of the  )

Repatriation Medical Authority )

was affixed at the direction of: )

PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO

CHAIRPERSON  16/08/2013

The Repatriation Medical Authority

8th Floor, 259 Queen Street, BRISBANE,  QLD  4000

[GPO Box 1014, Brisbane, Old 4001] – Telephone: (07) 3815 9404