NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION – SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS – 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 the definition of “sensorineural hearing loss” in Section 7.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 98 & 99 of 2019 concerning sensorineural hearing loss.
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 June 2025.
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 20 May 2025.
By and on behalf of Repatriation Medical Authority | |
| PROFESSOR TERENCE CAMPBELL AM CHAIRPERSON 15 April 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, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, addresses various entitlements for veterans, including pension and compensation claims. The Repatriation Medical Authority, under the authority conferred by section 196G of the Act, has announced an investigation into the definition of “sensorineural hearing loss” as outlined in Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 98 & 99 of 2019. This investigation aims to ensure that the criteria for defining sensorineural hearing loss are precise and comprehensive, thereby ensuring that eligible veterans receive appropriate compensation and support. The Authority seeks submissions from relevant stakeholders, including veterans, organisations representing veterans, and experts in relevant fields, to inform and improve the understanding and application of the definition in question. The objective of this investigation is to enhance the fairness and accuracy of the entitlements process for veterans affected by sensorineural hearing loss.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority, under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has announced an investigation into the definition of "sensorineural hearing loss" as outlined in Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 98 & 99 of 2019. This investigation applies to individuals eligible to make claims under the Act, such as those eligible for pension under Part II or Part IV of the Veterans' Entitlements Act, and those eligible for compensation under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. Additionally, it extends to organisations representing various groups including veterans and their dependants, as well as entities like the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. Persons with relevant expertise are also invited to contribute. The scope of this investigation is nationwide, as the Repatriation Medical Authority operates under Commonwealth law. There are no specified exclusions or exemptions in this notice, and no thresholds are mentioned for the submission of evidence or participation in the investigation. Subordinate instruments may further detail the procedures and requirements for this investigation.
Key Provisions
Under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has announced its intention to conduct an investigation concerning the definition of “sensorineural hearing loss” as outlined in Section 7 of the Act. This investigation, pursuant to subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA, specifically pertains to the Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 98 & 99 of 2019. The Authority's intention is to review and potentially revise the understanding and application of sensorineural hearing loss within the scope of veterans' entitlements and related compensation schemes.
The obligations imposed by this investigation require a number of stakeholders to participate by submitting written submissions. These include individuals eligible for pension claims under Parts II or IV of the VEA, those eligible for compensation claims under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), organisations representing various veteran groups, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and any person possessing relevant expertise. These submissions are intended to provide comprehensive insights and evidence to inform the investigation’s findings. Submissions can be made electronically through the RMA website, by email, or by post, with the deadline set for 20 May 2025.
The consequences for non-compliance or failure to participate in the investigation, as mandated by the Act, are not explicitly detailed in the notice. However, the importance of adhering to the stipulated timelines and procedures for submission is implicitly stressed. The Authority's decision to investigate and potentially revise the definition of sensorineural hearing loss could have significant implications for those claiming entitlements or compensation related to hearing loss, highlighting the necessity for all relevant parties to engage in the process fully. The investigation itself is a formal and structured process, ensuring that all relevant voices are heard before any amendments to the legislative definitions are made.