NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION – OSTEOARTHRITIS – REPETITIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE UPPER LIMB
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 repetitive activities of the upper limb as a factor in osteoarthritis.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 23 & 24 of 2018, as amended, concerning osteoarthritis.
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 12 April 2022.
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 25 March 2022.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR TERENCE CAMPBELL AM CHAIRPERSON 4 / 3 / 2022 |
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) has announced its intention to conduct an investigation into repetitive activities of the upper limb as a factor in osteoarthritis. This investigation arises from the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 23 and 24 of 2018, as amended, concerning osteoarthritis, and is aimed at addressing gaps in the understanding of how repetitive upper limb activities may contribute to this condition among veterans and other eligible persons. The Authority has invited relevant stakeholders, including veterans, organisations representing veterans, the Repatriation Commission, and experts in relevant fields, to submit written contributions by 25 March 2022. The Authority’s first meeting for this investigation is scheduled for 12 April 2022. The objective of this investigation is to provide a comprehensive understanding that could potentially influence future entitlements and compensation policies under the VEA and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) has announced an investigation into repetitive activities of the upper limb as a contributing factor to osteoarthritis, particularly in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 23 & 24 of 2018. This investigation is intended to inform decisions regarding veterans' pensions and compensation claims, and it seeks submissions from various stakeholders. Eligible individuals include those who can claim pension or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans and other specified groups, and experts in relevant fields. Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, and must be received by 25 March 2022. The investigation's scope is defined by the legislative provisions and the specific instruments related to osteoarthritis, and it may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, although such details are not specified in this notice.
Key Provisions
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) includes section 196G, which mandates the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) to carry out an investigation into the role of repetitive activities of the upper limb as a contributing factor to osteoarthritis (section 196G). This investigation will take place in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 23 & 24 of 2018, as amended, which concern osteoarthritis. The Authority has publicly invited written submissions from various stakeholders, including eligible claimants, organisations representing veterans, and experts in relevant fields. Submissions must be received by the Authority by 25 March 2022, and can be lodged electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post.
The VEA imposes several obligations on the parties involved in this investigation. Firstly, the Authority is obligated to conduct a thorough investigation into the specified subject matter, ensuring that it aligns with the legislative framework and the Statements of Principles. Secondly, eligible individuals and organisations have the duty to submit their written inputs by the set deadline. This includes providing relevant information and supporting documentation to aid the investigation. The Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission are also mandated to potentially provide input and assist in the process, given their roles within the legislative context.
Failure to comply with the requirements of the VEA could lead to various consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text, it is reasonable to infer that non-compliance with statutory deadlines and obligations could result in administrative or legal repercussions. The Authority, for instance, might face challenges in conducting a comprehensive investigation if required submissions are not received on time. For individuals and organisations, failure to submit timely and relevant submissions could potentially impact their standing or claims related to veterans' entitlements. While the exact penalties are not specified in the text, they could include fines, legal action, or other administrative penalties as determined by the relevant authorities.