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 androgen deprivation therapy as a factor in diabetes mellitus.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 89 & 90 of 2011, as amended, concerning diabetes mellitus.
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 29 September 2015.
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 11 September 2015.
The Common Seal of the )
Repatriation Medical Authority )
was affixed at the direction of: )
PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO
CHAIRPERSON 1 / 5 /2015
Overview
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, enacted in 1986, aims to provide various forms of support to Australian veterans and their dependants. This Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive legal framework to ensure that veterans and their families receive appropriate benefits and recognition for their service. The Commonwealth Parliament enacted this legislation to formalise and enhance the rights of veterans. The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) under section 196G of the Act has announced its intention to investigate the relationship between androgen deprivation therapy and diabetes mellitus, specifically within the context of the Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 89 & 90 of 2011, as amended. The Authority has extended an invitation to various stakeholders, including eligible claimants, organisations representing veterans, and experts in relevant fields, to submit written submissions by 11 September 2015. This initiative aims to gather diverse perspectives and expertise to inform the investigation, reflecting the Authority's commitment to a thorough and inclusive review process.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) has announced an investigation concerning the impact of androgen deprivation therapy as a factor in diabetes mellitus, in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 89 & 90 of 2011, as amended. This investigation targets a specific demographic of individuals and entities, including those eligible to claim pensions or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans or their dependants, and experts in relevant fields. The scope of the investigation is national, extending across all jurisdictions where the VEA applies. Submissions are open to a broad range of stakeholders, and must be submitted in writing to the Authority by 11 September 2015. The Authority's decision to investigate is informed by the need to comprehensively assess the relationship between androgen deprivation therapy and diabetes mellitus as it affects veterans. The investigation will likely extend its reach through subordinate instruments to gather comprehensive data and expert opinions.
Key Provisions
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) includes the provision under section 196G, which mandates the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) to carry out an investigation into androgen deprivation therapy as a potential factor in diabetes mellitus. This investigation is to be conducted within the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 89 and 90 of 2011, as amended, concerning diabetes mellitus. The Authority's intention to conduct this investigation is pursuant to subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA, aiming to explore the potential link between androgen deprivation therapy and diabetes mellitus as it pertains to veterans' health and entitlements.
Entities and individuals with a vested interest in the outcome of this investigation are encouraged to contribute to the process by making written submissions to the Authority. This includes individuals eligible for pensions or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), organisations representing various groups of veterans and their dependants, and entities such as the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. Additionally, individuals with expertise relevant to the investigation are invited to submit their insights. The Authority's first meeting to discuss this investigation is scheduled for 29 September 2015, and submissions must be received by the Authority no later than 11 September 2015. Guidelines for making these submissions can be obtained from the RMA website or by contacting the RMA Secretariat.
The Act imposes specific obligations on the Authority, including the requirement to facilitate an open and inclusive investigation process by soliciting submissions from a broad range of stakeholders. These obligations ensure that the investigation considers diverse perspectives, including those of potential claimants, representatives of affected groups, and experts in relevant fields. The Authority must also ensure that all submissions are received by the specified deadline and that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the relevant legislative frameworks and instruments.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the VEA and the RMA Submission Guidelines may result in legal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the notice, breaches of legislative requirements under the VEA can lead to various civil and criminal penalties, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. These penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions as determined by the relevant courts. The precise consequences would depend on the nature of the breach and the specific provisions of the VEA and related Acts.