NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION – MYOCARDITIS – FOCUSED
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, pursuant to subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA, it intends to carry out an investigation in respect of any new scientific literature in relation to “Novavax (Nuvaxovid, NVX-CoV2373) COVID-19 vaccine” in the context of myocarditis.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 17 & 18 of 2024 concerning myocarditis.
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 VEA;
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 3 February 2026.
Persons and organisations wishing to make a submission can use the RMA website http://www.rma.gov.au/investigations/ to electronically lodge the submission and supporting information. Alternatively, submissions can be sent by email to info@rma.gov.au or posted to the address below. The RMA Submission Guidelines are available online for guidance. The RMA Secretariat may be contacted at the address, telephone number or email address below for further assistance.
All submissions must be in writing and received by the Authority no later than 27 January 2026.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | | |
| PROFESSOR TERENCE CAMPBELL AM CHAIRPERSON 15 / 12 / 2025 | |
Repatriation Medical Authority
GPO Box 1014, Brisbane, Qld 4001
Telephone: (07) 3815 9404 Email: info@rma.gov.au
Overview
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the entitlements of veterans, their families, and dependants, aiming to address various gaps in support and recognition for those who have served in the Australian Defence Force. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia and seeks to ensure that veterans receive appropriate pensions, compensation, and healthcare services. One specific problem the Act addresses is the need for the continuous evaluation and update of Statements of Principles concerning medical conditions related to military service, including emerging health concerns such as those related to COVID-19 vaccinations. The Repatriation Medical Authority, pursuant to section 196G of the VEA, is currently investigating new scientific literature concerning the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in relation to myocarditis, as outlined in Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 17 & 18 of 2024. The Authority invites relevant stakeholders, including veterans, organisations representing military personnel, and experts in relevant fields, to submit written comments and information to aid in this investigation.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority, under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has announced its intention to investigate new scientific literature concerning the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and its association with myocarditis. This investigation pertains to Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 17 & 18 of 2024, specifically focusing on myocarditis. The investigation is open to submissions from various stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pension claims under Part II or Part IV of the VEA, those eligible for compensation under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans and related groups, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields. Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, and must be received by 27 January 2026. The first meeting for this investigation will be held on 3 February 2026. The scope of the Act applies to all relevant stakeholders within the specified timeframe and geographic jurisdiction, with no exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the notice.
Key Provisions
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) specifies that the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has announced its intention to investigate new scientific literature related to the Novavax (Nuvaxovid, NVX-CoV2373) COVID-19 vaccine with a focus on myocarditis. This investigation will be conducted within the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 17 & 18 of 2024 concerning myocarditis (section 196B(7A) of the VEA). The Authority has invited specific stakeholders to submit written submissions, including individuals eligible to claim pensions or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), organisations representing veterans or military personnel, and experts in relevant fields. Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, and must be received by 27 January 2026.
The obligations under this notice are clear: eligible claimants, relevant organisations, and experts are invited to provide written submissions to the Authority by the specified deadline. The Authority will hold its first meeting for this investigation on 3 February 2026. These obligations are aimed at ensuring that the investigation incorporates a broad range of perspectives and expertise relevant to the issue of myocarditis in the context of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The RMA website and Secretariat are available for guidance and further assistance to those preparing submissions.
Failure to comply with the submission requirements could potentially lead to significant consequences. Although the notice does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties, the omission of submissions could result in the exclusion of pertinent information that might impact the investigation's findings and subsequent decisions regarding veterans' entitlements. Given the importance of the investigation to the affected stakeholders, it is crucial to adhere to the timelines and guidelines provided. The authority of the Repatriation Medical Authority to mandate these submissions underscores the significance of the investigation and the importance of compliance.