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, pursuant to subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA, it intends to carry out an investigation in respect of a severe, chronic medical condition as a factor in depressive disorder.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles concerning depressive disorder Nos. 83 & 84 of 2015.
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 February 2016.
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 22 January 2016.
The Common Seal of the )
Repatriation Medical Authority )
was affixed at the direction of: )
PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO
CHAIRPERSON 4 / 12 /2015
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority, established under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has issued a notice of investigation into severe, chronic medical conditions as a factor in depressive disorder, pursuant to section 196G of the Act. This investigation, which pertains to Statements of Principles concerning depressive disorder Nos. 83 & 84 of 2015, was enacted to address the need for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between chronic medical conditions and depressive disorders in veterans. The Authority invites submissions from eligible claimants, representatives of veterans and their dependants, relevant commissions, and experts in related fields. Submissions must be submitted in writing and received by the Authority by 22 January 2016, with the first meeting of the investigation scheduled for 9 February 2016. The policy objective of this investigation is to enhance the Authority's understanding and decision-making process concerning the entitlements of veterans suffering from depressive disorders in relation to their chronic medical conditions.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) has announced an investigation into the relationship between severe, chronic medical conditions and depressive disorder, as outlined in section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA). This investigation is being conducted in the context of Statements of Principles concerning depressive disorder Nos. 83 & 84 of 2015. The RMA is inviting written submissions from various stakeholders, including individuals eligible to make a claim for pension or compensation, organisations representing veterans and their dependants, and experts in relevant fields. The RMA will hold its first meeting for this investigation on 9 February 2016, and all submissions must be received by 22 January 2016. The Authority's investigation extends to those affected by the VEA and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), suggesting a broad reach across Commonwealth-regulated veterans' affairs and related compensation claims. Any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are not explicitly stated in the notice, but the scope of the investigation is likely to be further defined through subordinate instruments or procedural guidelines established by the RMA.
Key Provisions
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) outlines the process by which the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) intends to investigate a severe, chronic medical condition as a factor in depressive disorder. This investigation is being conducted in the context of the Statements of Principles concerning depressive disorder Nos. 83 and 84 of 2015. The Authority is specifically inviting submissions from various parties, including individuals eligible to claim pension or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), organisations representing veterans or their dependants, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and persons with expertise relevant to the investigation.
The obligations placed upon the parties by the Act include the requirement for eligible individuals and organisations to submit their written inputs by a specified date, which in this case is 22 January 2016. The Authority mandates that all submissions be in writing and must be sent to the Authority's specified address. The Authority's first meeting for this investigation is scheduled for 9 February 2016. Furthermore, interested parties are directed to obtain the RMA Submission Guidelines either from the RMA website or by contacting the RMA Secretariat directly.
The Act imposes penalties and consequences for failure to comply with its requirements. Although the exact nature of these penalties is not detailed in the provided text, it can be inferred that non-compliance with submission deadlines or guidelines could result in a failure to have one's views considered in the investigation. Additionally, any failure to adhere to the stipulated process could potentially be seen as non-compliance with the Act, leading to further repercussions as defined by the legislative framework. It is important for all involved parties to ensure that they meet the specified obligations to effectively participate in the investigation process.