NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION – SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS – FOCUSSED
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 xylene as a factor in sensorineural hearing loss.
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 4 August 2021.
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 16 July 2021.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO CHAIRPERSON 25 / 06 / 2021 |
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority), under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has issued a notice of investigation into the potential link between xylene exposure and sensorineural hearing loss among veterans. This investigation is carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 98 & 99 of 2019, which address sensorineural hearing loss. The Authority is seeking written submissions from eligible claimants, representatives of affected groups, relevant commissions, and experts in the field to inform its inquiry. Submissions are invited to provide insights and evidence on the impact of xylene exposure on hearing loss, and they must be submitted by 16 July 2021. The first meeting of the investigation will be held on 4 August 2021, and detailed guidelines for submissions are available on the RMA website or through direct contact with the Authority. This initiative aims to comprehensively assess the potential causative relationship between xylene exposure and sensorineural hearing loss, ensuring that veterans' entitlements and compensation claims are adequately supported by evidence.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority, under the auspices of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has issued a notice regarding an investigation into xylene as a potential factor contributing to sensorineural hearing loss among veterans. This investigation is mandated by section 196G of the Act and is specifically focused on the context provided by Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 98 & 99 of 2019. The Authority invites submissions from various stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pensions or compensation under the VEA or 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 with relevant expertise. Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, and must be received by 16 July 2021. This investigation is confined to the scope defined by the aforementioned instruments and does not extend to other causes of sensorineural hearing loss. The Authority may further refine the scope of the investigation through subordinate instruments, as necessary, to ensure thorough examination of the subject matter.
Key Provisions
The primary focus of this legislation is the investigation into xylene as a factor in sensorineural hearing loss, as stipulated in section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) (section 196G). This investigation is specifically linked to Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 98 and 99 of 2019 concerning sensorineural hearing loss. The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) is mandated to conduct this investigation to examine the potential link between exposure to xylene and sensorineural hearing loss among eligible veterans and other individuals.
Entities and individuals who may have relevant information or expertise are invited to contribute to this investigation by making written submissions. This includes persons eligible for pensions or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), organisations representing veterans or their dependents, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and individuals with expertise pertinent to the investigation. Submissions can be lodged electronically through the RMA website, via email, or by post, with a deadline of 16 July 2021 (section 196G).
The obligations imposed by this Act include the requirement for the Authority to conduct a thorough investigation into the potential link between xylene exposure and sensorineural hearing loss. Furthermore, the Authority is tasked with soliciting and reviewing submissions from eligible parties and relevant organisations. Submissions must be in writing and submitted by the specified deadline to ensure timely and comprehensive consideration of the information provided. The Authority also has the responsibility to use the gathered information to inform its decision-making process and to uphold the objectives of the investigation as outlined in the VEA.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this legislation may result in legal consequences. However, the notice does not explicitly detail the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance within the text provided. The notice does, however, emphasize the importance of adhering to the submission guidelines and deadlines to avoid any potential repercussions. Any breaches of the legislative requirements could potentially lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and nature of the non-compliance. The maximum penalties for such breaches would be determined by the relevant legislation and the specific circumstances of the case.