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 the definition of osteoarthritis.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 61 & 62 of 2017 concerning osteoarthritis.
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 5 June 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 3 June 2019.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO CHAIRPERSON 26 / 4 / 2019 |
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has issued a notice under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) regarding an intended investigation into the definition of osteoarthritis, as part of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 61 and 62 of 2017. This investigation aims to address issues related to the interpretation and application of the definition of osteoarthritis in the context of veterans' entitlements and compensation claims. The Authority invites submissions from eligible claimants, representatives of veterans and their dependants, relevant commissions, and experts in relevant fields. The first meeting for this investigation is scheduled for 5 June 2019, and written submissions must be received by 3 June 2019. The Authority provides multiple submission methods, including electronic, email, and postal options, with guidelines available on their website. This initiative aims to ensure a comprehensive and informed review of the definition of osteoarthritis in the veterans' benefits context.
Scope and Application
The notice of investigation issued by the Repatriation Medical Authority under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 pertains to the definition of osteoarthritis, specifically in the context of Statements of Principles Instruments Nos. 61 and 62 of 2017. This investigation is intended to gather input from a range of stakeholders, including individuals eligible to make claims under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans or their dependents, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts with relevant field expertise. The investigation is geographically and jurisdictionally confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, and it invites submissions from specified groups, thereby extending its reach to encompass various entities and individuals connected to veterans' affairs. Exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds are not explicitly stated in the notice, but the Authority retains the authority to establish these criteria through subordinate instruments as necessary. The Authority will commence its investigation with a meeting on 5 June 2019, and interested parties are encouraged to submit their written contributions by 3 June 2019 via the RMA website, email, or postal service, as detailed in the notice.
Key Provisions
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) stipulates that the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) intends to conduct an investigation into the definition of osteoarthritis, specifically in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 61 and 62 of 2017. This investigation is being undertaken to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the criteria used to determine entitlement to benefits related to osteoarthritis. The Authority is inviting various stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pension or compensation claims, organisations representing veterans and their dependents, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields, to submit written comments and supporting information.
The obligations under this notice require eligible individuals and organisations to prepare and submit their written submissions by 3 June 2019. Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, following the guidelines provided on the RMA website. The Authority's first meeting to discuss this investigation is scheduled for 5 June 2019. The RMA Secretariat is available for any additional assistance or clarification needed in the submission process.
The notice further outlines the consequences for non-compliance or breaches of the submission requirements. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, it is implied that failure to adhere to the submission deadlines and guidelines could affect the consideration of the submissions in the Authority's investigation. It is also noteworthy that the notice is issued under the authority of Professor Nicholas Saunders AO, the Chairperson of the Repatriation Medical Authority, as evidenced by the affixed Common Seal dated 26 April 2019.