Repatriation Medical Authority - Notice of Investigation - Guillain-Barre syndrome

Overview

The Repatriation Medical Authority, established under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has issued a notice of investigation to review the contents of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 59 & 60 of 2013 concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome. This investigation aims to explore new information about how Guillain-Barre syndrome may be suffered or contracted, the extent to which it may be considered war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease or a service death. The Authority seeks written submissions from eligible individuals and organisations, including those who may claim pensions or compensation, representatives of veterans and their dependants, and experts in relevant fields. The objective of the Act is to ensure that the entitlements of veterans are accurately assessed and that the causes and extent of conditions such as Guillain-Barre syndrome are thoroughly understood in the context of their service. Submissions can be made electronically, by email, or by post, with a deadline of 17 March 2017.

Scope and Application

The notice of investigation issued under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 by the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) pertains specifically to the review of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 59 and 60 of 2013 concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome. The Authority's investigation seeks to explore whether there is new information about how Guillain-Barre syndrome may be contracted, suffered from, or lead to death, and the extent to which these conditions may be considered war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease, or a service death. The investigation extends to inviting written submissions from various stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pensions or compensation under the VEA or Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans or relevant groups, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in fields relevant to the investigation. The submission process is outlined, with options for electronic, email, or postal submission, and a clear deadline of 17 March 2017 for receipt of all submissions. The Authority's investigation is mandated by the VEA and is not limited by geographic jurisdiction, applying nationally within the scope of the legislation.

Key Provisions

Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) serves as the primary operative section for this notice, specifying the intention of the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) to carry out an investigation into the contents of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 59 & 60 of 2013 concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). This investigation aims to review new information about the potential war-caused, defence-caused, service injury, service disease, or service death related to GBS. The Authority seeks written submissions from various eligible persons and organisations, including those eligible to claim pensions or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), veterans' organisations, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields. The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties and entities it governs are primarily centred on the submission of relevant information and expertise. Eligible individuals and organisations are required to submit their written statements and any supporting information by 17 March 2017. Submissions can be lodged electronically through the RMA website, emailed to info@rma.gov.au, or posted to the specified address. The RMA Submission Guidelines provide further instructions on how to prepare and submit these documents. The Authority, in turn, is required to convene a meeting to review the submissions and any new information they may contain. In terms of potential offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches, the notice does not explicitly state any civil or criminal penalties for failing to comply with the submission requirements. However, it is reasonable to infer that the failure to submit required information may impact the outcome of the investigation and potentially affect the entitlements of those involved. The notice does not mention any specific maximum penalties for non-compliance. The primary consequence would likely be the exclusion of the non-submitted information from the investigation, potentially affecting the Authority's findings and recommendations. The notice further emphasises the importance of timely and accurate submissions by providing the necessary contact details for further assistance. The RMA Secretariat can be reached via telephone or email, and the Common Seal of the Repatriation Medical Authority was affixed by Professor Nicholas Saunders AO, the Chairperson, on 20 December 2016. This demonstrates the official status and authority of the notice, ensuring that the submission process is conducted in a formal and legally binding manner.