NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION – SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO HEARING LOSS
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 pursuant to subsection 196B(4) of the VEA to find out whether Statements of Principles may be determined in respect of signal to noise ratio 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 2 December 2025.
Under the VEA, the Authority is required to find out whether there is information available about how signal to noise ratio hearing loss may be suffered or contracted, or death from signal to noise ratio hearing loss may occur, and the extent to which signal to noise ratio hearing loss or death from signal to noise ratio hearing loss may be war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease or a service death. 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 21 November 2023.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR TERENCE CAMPBELL AM CHAIRPERSON 17 / 10 / 2025 |
Overview
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, addresses various entitlements for veterans and their dependants, including pension, compensation, and health services. This Act was introduced to provide comprehensive support and recognition for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. One of the Act's key objectives is to ensure that veterans receive appropriate compensation and medical benefits for war-related injuries and illnesses. The Repatriation Medical Authority, acting under the authority granted by section 196G of the VEA, has initiated an investigation into whether Statements of Principles may be determined for signal to noise ratio hearing loss. This investigation aims to ascertain the availability of information regarding the causes, nature, and extent of hearing loss related to military service, and whether such conditions can be classified as war-caused or service-related. The Authority is inviting submissions from eligible veterans, relevant organisations, and experts to gather comprehensive insights and evidence to inform its findings and recommendations.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) has announced an investigation into signal to noise ratio hearing loss. This investigation aims to determine whether Statements of Principles can be made regarding this condition. The scope of the Act applies to individuals eligible for pension claims under Part II or Part IV of the VEA, persons eligible for compensation claims under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing various groups including veterans and their dependants, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields. The Authority seeks written submissions from these entities, with the deadline for submissions set for 21 November 2023. Submissions can be lodged electronically through the RMA website, via email, or by post. The investigation will cover the extent to which signal to noise ratio hearing loss may be war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease, or a service death. The Authority's investigation extends to Commonwealth jurisdiction, with no specified exclusions or thresholds mentioned in the notice.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the notice provided under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) pertain to the Repatriation Medical Authority's (the Authority) intention to conduct an investigation into signal to noise ratio hearing loss. Specifically, section 196G and subsection 196B(4) of the VEA are the key sections guiding this investigation. This notice requires the Authority to determine whether Statements of Principle may be issued regarding signal to noise ratio hearing loss, and whether such conditions could be classified as war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease, or a service death. The Authority invites eligible individuals and organisations to submit their views on the matter, including veterans, organisations representing veterans or related groups, and experts with relevant knowledge. The Authority will hold its first meeting on 2 December 2025 to discuss this investigation.
The obligations imposed by the notice under section 196G of the VEA are primarily directed towards eligible individuals and organisations. Those invited to submit include veterans or those eligible to make claims under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), organisations representing various groups, and experts in relevant fields. The Authority seeks their written submissions to aid in its investigation into signal to noise ratio hearing loss. The deadline for submissions is 21 November 2023, and submissions can be made through the RMA website, email, or post. The RMA Submission Guidelines are available for guidance, and the RMA Secretariat can provide further assistance.
Under the provisions of the notice, there are no specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined for breach of the submission requirements. However, failure to comply with the notice and deadline for submissions could potentially impact the Authority's ability to gather comprehensive information for its investigation. The notice emphasises the importance of written submissions and adherence to the specified deadline, ensuring that all relevant parties have the opportunity to contribute their insights and expertise. The maximum penalties for any potential breaches are not explicitly stated within the notice, but any non-compliance may be addressed under the relevant legislation governing the Authority's investigative powers.