NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION – SUICIDE AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE – GENDER DYSPHORIA
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 gender dysphoria as a factor in suicide and attempted suicide.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 65 & 66 of 2016, as amended, concerning suicide and attempted suicide.
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 8 December 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 19 November 2021.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR TERENCE CAMPBELL AM CHAIRPERSON 22 / 10 / 2021 |
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has issued a Notice of Investigation under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, focusing on gender dysphoria as a factor in suicide and attempted suicide among veterans. This investigation is part of the broader effort to address gaps in understanding the mental health impacts on veterans, particularly in the context of gender dysphoria. The Authority seeks written submissions from various stakeholders including veterans, their representatives, and experts in relevant fields. The submissions are due by 19 November 2021, and can be submitted via the RMA website or email. This initiative aims to inform the development of Statements of Principles concerning suicide and attempted suicide, reflecting the policy objective of enhancing the support and recognition of veterans' mental health issues.
Scope and Application
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) mandates the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) to conduct an investigation concerning gender dysphoria as a contributing factor in suicide and attempted suicide among veterans. This investigation is integral to the ongoing review of Statements of Principles Instruments Nos. 65 and 66 of 2016, which address suicide and attempted suicide. The Authority specifically seeks 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 and their dependants, and experts in relevant fields. This notice extends to any person or entity with a vested interest in the matter, aiming to gather comprehensive insights and evidence to inform the investigation. Submissions are to be made by 19 November 2021, either electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, following the guidelines provided by the Authority.
Key Provisions
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) mandates the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) to conduct an investigation into the role of gender dysphoria in suicide and attempted suicide among eligible individuals, particularly veterans, as per subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA. This investigation is aligned with the provisions of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 65 and 66 of 2016, which address suicide and attempted suicide. The Authority seeks written submissions from eligible claimants, representatives of relevant groups, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in pertinent fields. Submissions must be submitted electronically through the RMA website, via email, or by post and must be received by 19 November 2021. The Authority's first meeting for this investigation is scheduled for 8 December 2021.
The obligations imposed by the VEA on the parties involved include the requirement for eligible claimants, representative organisations, and experts to submit written submissions to the Authority. These submissions should provide relevant information, insights, and expertise to aid the investigation into the impact of gender dysphoria on suicide and attempted suicide among veterans and other eligible individuals. The Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission are also obligated to participate in the investigation by potentially providing data, insights, or recommendations to the Authority.
Failure to comply with the submission requirements or providing misleading information may result in civil or criminal consequences, although the specific penalties are not explicitly stated in the notice. The severity of any potential penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as the applicable laws and regulations. The VEA and related legislation, such as the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, may impose penalties for providing false information, obstruction of the investigation, or any other breaches related to the investigation.