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 it intends to carry out an investigation under subsection 196B(7) of the VEA to review the contents of Statements of Principles Instrument No. 42 of 2004, as amended by Instrument No. 46 of 2010, and Instrument No. 43 of 2004, as amended by Instrument No. 122 of 2011, concerning neoplasm of the pituitary gland.
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 9 December 2014.
Under the VEA, the Authority is required to find out whether there is new information available about how neoplasm of the pituitary gland may be suffered or contracted, or death from neoplasm of the pituitary gland may occur, and the extent to which neoplasm of the pituitary gland or death from neoplasm of the pituitary gland may be war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease or a service death. 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 24 November 2014.
The Common Seal of the )
Repatriation Medical Authority )
was affixed at the direction of: )
PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO
CHAIRPERSON 22/ 8 /2014
Overview
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 was enacted to provide for the entitlements of veterans, including pensions and compensation for service-related injuries and diseases. The Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive legislative framework to ensure that veterans and their families receive the benefits and support they are entitled to as a result of their service. The Repatriation Medical Authority, established under the VEA, is responsible for conducting investigations into specific medical conditions and their potential war or service-related causes to inform the updating of Statements of Principles, which are pivotal in determining eligibility for certain entitlements. The policy objective of the VEA is to ensure that veterans and their families receive appropriate recognition and support for conditions that may be linked to their service.
In 2014, the Repatriation Medical Authority announced an investigation under section 196G of the VEA to review the contents of Statements of Principles concerning neoplasm of the pituitary gland. The investigation aimed to determine whether there was new information about the condition's causation and its potential link to war or service. The Authority invited submissions from eligible claimants, representative organisations, and experts to contribute to the investigation, ensuring a comprehensive review of the available evidence and expert opinions. This process underscores the commitment of the Authority and the Australian government to address the evolving needs of veterans and to provide timely and accurate support based on the latest medical and service-related research.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority, under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, is undertaking an investigation into the Statements of Principles related to neoplasm of the pituitary gland. This investigation specifically concerns the extent to which neoplasm of the pituitary gland or death from such a neoplasm may be considered war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease, or a service death. The Authority is inviting submissions from various stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pension or compensation claims under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans or their dependants, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields. This investigation is a Commonwealth matter, and the submissions are due by 24 November 2014. The scope of the investigation is guided by the provisions of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, and any further extensions or restrictions of its application would be detailed in subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
Under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) has announced an investigation concerning the Statements of Principles related to neoplasm of the pituitary gland (section 196G). This investigation seeks to review and update the understanding of how neoplasm of the pituitary gland may be contracted or result in death, and its potential war-related or service-related causes. This initiative aims to ensure that the information and principles guiding these assessments are as accurate and comprehensive as possible.
The VEA mandates that the RMA examines whether there is new information regarding how these conditions may occur or be linked to service, and the degree to which they might be considered war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease, or a service death (section 196B(7)). In response, the RMA has invited submissions from eligible claimants, relevant organisations, and experts in the field. These submissions are critical for providing diverse perspectives and data that may influence the review and update of the Statements of Principles.
Those eligible to contribute include individuals who are or could be claimants under Part II or Part IV of the VEA, claimants under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans or their dependants, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields. Submissions must be in writing and submitted by 24 November 2014. The RMA provides guidelines for submissions on its website or via direct contact, ensuring that all contributors are aware of the requirements and process.
Failure to adhere to the submission guidelines or miss the deadline may result in the exclusion of the submission from consideration, potentially impacting the comprehensiveness of the investigation. The RMA's investigation is a crucial step in ensuring that the criteria and principles governing veterans' entitlements remain current and reflective of the latest medical and service-related evidence.