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 insecticides as a factor in malignant neoplasm of the lung.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 92 & 93 of 2014 concerning malignant neoplasm of the lung.
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 3 December 2019.
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 2019.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO CHAIRPERSON 18 / 10 / 2019 |
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority, established under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), has issued a notice under section 196G of the Act, indicating its intention to investigate the potential link between insecticides and malignant neoplasm of the lung, particularly in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 92 & 93 of 2014. This investigation aims to fill a gap in understanding how exposure to insecticides may contribute to lung cancer among veterans, thereby addressing a significant health concern for this group. The Authority invites submissions from eligible claimants, relevant organisations, and experts to contribute to this investigation, ensuring a comprehensive review of the issue. The notice outlines the process for submitting information, including the deadline of 19 November 2019, and provides various methods for lodging submissions, including online, email, and postal options. This initiative underscores the policy objective of the VEA to safeguard and enhance the health and welfare of veterans through informed and evidence-based decisions.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority), pursuant to section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has issued a notice of its intention to investigate the potential link between insecticides and malignant neoplasm of the lung, specifically in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 92 & 93 of 2014. The scope of the investigation includes any individuals eligible to claim pensions under Part II or Part IV of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, those eligible to claim compensation under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans or their dependants, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields. The Authority's investigation extends to gathering written submissions from interested parties, with the deadline for submissions set for 19 November 2019. This notice serves to inform and invite participation from relevant stakeholders in this inquiry, which is part of the broader legislative framework aimed at addressing health concerns among veterans.
Key Provisions
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) mandates that the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) must notify the public of its intention to investigate insecticides as a factor in malignant neoplasm of the lung (section 196G). This investigation aligns with Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 92 & 93 of 2014 concerning malignant neoplasm of the lung. The Authority invites submissions from eligible individuals, representatives of veterans and other military personnel, relevant commissions, and experts in fields pertinent to the investigation. These submissions should be made in writing and submitted by 19 November 2019, either electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post. The Authority will convene its first meeting on 3 December 2019 to discuss this investigation.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Eligible individuals, organisations, and experts are required to submit written submissions by the specified deadline, providing their insights and any relevant information. The Authority is obligated to review these submissions and use them in their investigation. The Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission are also required to provide any pertinent information or assistance they can offer. Additionally, the Authority must ensure that all proceedings are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the VEA and any other applicable legislation.
Breaching the requirements set out in the VEA may result in various consequences. Failure to submit required information by the deadline could potentially impact the thoroughness and effectiveness of the investigation. While the Act does not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance with submission requirements, the Authority retains the right to pursue legal action for any significant breaches. Penalties for non-compliance with other sections of the VEA can include fines and imprisonment, as specified in the relevant sections of the Act. It is essential for all parties to adhere to the stipulated guidelines and deadlines to ensure the investigation is comprehensive and legally sound.