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 cancer and cancer treatment as factors in sarcoidosis.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 59 & 60 of 2016 concerning sarcoidosis.
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 9 October 2018.
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 5 October 2018.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO CHAIRPERSON 24 / 08 / 2018 |
Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has issued a Notice of Investigation under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) to explore the potential links between cancer and cancer treatment as contributing factors to sarcoidosis. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the VEA was introduced to provide a framework for veterans' entitlements, including medical care and compensation. This investigation specifically pertains to Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 59 & 60 of 2016 concerning sarcoidosis, aiming to clarify the medical and scientific understanding of this condition in the veteran community. The Authority seeks written submissions from eligible claimants, representatives of veterans, relevant commissions, and experts in related fields to inform and enhance the investigation, with a submission deadline of 5 October 2018.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority), pursuant to section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA), has announced an investigation concerning cancer and cancer treatment as factors in sarcoidosis, under Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 59 & 60 of 2016. This investigation is open to a range of stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pension or compensation claims under the VEA 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. Submissions must be made in writing and received by the Authority by 5 October 2018, and can be lodged electronically via the RMA website or by email or post. The first meeting for this investigation will be held on 9 October 2018. The scope of this investigation is explicitly tied to the legislative context of the VEA and related Acts, and the Authority may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments as required.
Key Provisions
The main operative section in this notice is section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA). This section allows the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) to announce its intention to carry out an investigation into cancer and cancer treatment as factors in sarcoidosis, as referenced in subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA (196G). The notice specifies that this investigation will be conducted within the framework of Statements of Principles Instruments Nos. 59 & 60 of 2016 concerning sarcoidosis.
The obligations imposed by this notice are primarily directed at the parties and entities it governs. The Authority is obligated to carry out the investigation as announced and to consider any written submissions received by eligible parties. Eligible parties include individuals eligible to make claims for pensions or compensation, organisations representing veterans or their dependents, and experts in relevant fields. Submissions are to be made by 5 October 2018, either electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post, as specified in the notice (196G).
In terms of potential consequences for breach or non-compliance, the notice itself does not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, given the statutory context, failure to comply with the notice and the subsequent investigation could potentially have implications under the broader legislative framework of the VEA and related acts, such as the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). Penalties for non-compliance would typically be addressed within these broader acts, which may include fines or other civil remedies for failing to adhere to statutory requirements.