Repatriation Medical Authority - Notice of Investigation - Loss of Teeth - focussed

Overview

The Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) has issued a notice of investigation under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) to examine tooth wear as a factor in the loss of teeth in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 124 and 125 of 2015. This investigation was introduced to address the gap in understanding the role of tooth wear in the loss of teeth among veterans and other eligible persons. The RMA, established by the Australian Parliament, aims to ensure that the rights and entitlements of veterans and their families are properly assessed and supported. The RMA invites submissions from various stakeholders, including veterans, organisations representing veterans and their dependants, and experts in relevant fields, to provide insights and evidence to inform the investigation. All written submissions must be received by the RMA no later than 20 July 2018, with options for electronic, email, or postal submission provided. This initiative reflects the policy objective of improving the accuracy and fairness of veterans' entitlements assessments.

Scope and Application

The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has issued a notice of investigation under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA), concerning tooth wear as a factor in loss of teeth. This investigation applies to the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 124 & 125 of 2015, concerning loss of teeth, and extends to persons and organisations eligible to make claims under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans or their dependants, and experts in relevant fields. The Authority seeks written submissions from those eligible and interested parties, with a deadline of 20 July 2018. Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, with guidelines available online and assistance offered through the RMA Secretariat. The Authority's first meeting for this investigation is scheduled for 7 August 2018. This investigation is an extension of the Commonwealth's jurisdiction under the VEA, with the Authority authorised to carry out the investigation as stated. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly mentioned in the notice, although the scope of the investigation is limited to the context of the specified Statements of Principles.

Key Provisions

Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) outlines the Repatriation Medical Authority's (the Authority) intention to conduct an investigation into tooth wear as a factor in loss of teeth. This investigation is part of the broader context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 124 and 125 of 2015, which specifically address loss of teeth. The Authority is inviting submissions from eligible persons and organisations, including those who can claim pensions or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), representatives of veterans or other eligible groups, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts relevant to the investigation. The Authority's first meeting for this investigation is scheduled for 7 August 2018, and submissions must be received by 20 July 2018. Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, with guidelines available online. The obligations under the VEA require the Authority to invite and consider written submissions from specified parties. This includes individuals who may be eligible for benefits under the VEA or the MRCA, organisations representing various groups of veterans and their dependants, and experts with relevant expertise. Furthermore, the Authority is mandated to hold a meeting to commence the investigation. These obligations ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and considers multiple perspectives, which is crucial for making informed decisions about the role of tooth wear in loss of teeth. Failure to comply with the provisions of the VEA, including not adhering to the submission deadlines or providing required information, could result in legal consequences. However, the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed within the notice. Generally, breaches of legislative requirements can lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. For example, penalties could range from fines to more severe sanctions if the breach is deemed to be in bad faith or causes significant harm. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific circumstances of the breach and in accordance with relevant laws.