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 use of walking aids as a factor in rotator cuff syndrome.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 100 and 101 of 2014 concerning rotator cuff syndrome.
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 8 December 2020.
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 30 November 2020.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO CHAIRPERSON 30 / 10 / 2020 |
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) has announced an investigation into the use of walking aids as a contributing factor in rotator cuff syndrome. This initiative stems from section 196G of the VEA, which enables the Authority to explore issues pertinent to veterans' health and entitlements. The investigation is framed within the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 100 and 101 of 2014 concerning rotator cuff syndrome. The Authority seeks to gather insights from various stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pension or compensation claims, organisations representing veterans, and experts in relevant fields, to comprehensively address the potential link between walking aids and rotator cuff syndrome. This proactive approach aims to better inform and potentially revise the medical principles and entitlements available to affected veterans.
Scope and Application
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) mandates the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) to conduct an investigation into the use of walking aids as a contributing factor to rotator cuff syndrome, in accordance with the Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 100 and 101 of 2014. This investigation applies to individuals eligible for pensions under Parts II or IV of the VEA, those eligible for compensation under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), organisations representing veterans and related groups, the Repatriation Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and experts in relevant fields. The scope of the investigation is national, impacting veterans across Australia, and encourages comprehensive submissions from relevant stakeholders. Submissions must be made by 30 November 2020, either electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, adhering to the RMA Submission Guidelines. This notice extends the RMA's jurisdiction in examining the nexus between walking aids and rotator cuff syndrome, potentially affecting eligibility and compensation decisions for affected veterans.
Key Provisions
The main sections of this notice pertain to section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), which informs of an investigation into the use of walking aids as a factor in rotator cuff syndrome (196G). This investigation will be conducted under the Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 100 and 101 of 2014 (196G). The notice invites written submissions from a range of stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pension or compensation claims, organisations representing veterans and other groups, and those with relevant expertise (196G). Submissions can be made electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, and must be received by the Authority no later than 30 November 2020 (196G).
The notice outlines the obligations for various parties. It requires eligible individuals and organisations to submit their views on the investigation by the specified deadline (196G). The Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) is obligated to consider these submissions in its investigation (196G). The RMA must also provide a platform for these submissions, either electronically, by email, or by post, and ensure that the process is accessible and clearly communicated (196G). Furthermore, the notice provides contact details for further assistance, indicating the RMA's commitment to facilitating the submission process (196G).
Breaches of the requirements set out in this notice may not directly lead to offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences under this specific notice. However, failure to comply with the submission requirements could potentially affect the consideration of one's views in the investigation, which may have implications for those whose submissions are not received by the deadline. The notice does not specify penalties for non-compliance with the submission process, but it underscores the importance of adhering to the stipulated timeline and method for submissions (196G). Any potential consequences would likely be related to the investigation's findings and subsequent decisions made by the RMA, rather than direct penalties for failing to submit a written statement.