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 following:
- carrying loads; and
- lifting loads,
as factors in thoracic spondylosis.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 62 & 63 of 2014 concerning thoracic spondylosis.
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 7 February 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 19 January 2018.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO CHAIRPERSON 3 / 11 / 2017 |
Overview
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) was enacted to provide a framework for the entitlements of veterans and their families, including pensions and other benefits. The 1986 Act, however, may not have adequately addressed the evolving needs of veterans, particularly in relation to the recognition of service-related injuries and illnesses. In response to this gap, the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) under section 196G of the VEA, intends to investigate the factors of carrying loads and lifting loads as they relate to thoracic spondylosis. This investigation is conducted in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 62 & 63 of 2014 concerning thoracic spondylosis. The Authority has invited submissions from eligible claimants, representative organisations, and experts in relevant fields to ensure a comprehensive examination of the issue. The objective is to provide a robust and evidence-based understanding of how carrying and lifting loads contribute to thoracic spondylosis, thereby informing potential policy adjustments and improvements in the benefits available to affected veterans.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority, under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has announced an investigation into the impact of carrying and lifting loads on the development of thoracic spondylosis, within the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 62 & 63 of 2014. The investigation is open to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including individuals eligible for claims under the Veterans' Entitlements Act or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, organisations representing veterans or related groups, and experts with relevant field expertise. This notice extends an invitation for written submissions, to be submitted electronically, by email, or by post, with a deadline of 19 January 2018. The Authority, chaired by Professor Nicholas Saunders AO, aims to convene its first meeting on 7 February 2018 to commence the investigation. The geographic scope of the Act is not explicitly restricted, implying a national application, although the focus remains on factors impacting veterans. No exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds are mentioned in the text, and there is no indication that the application of the Act extends or is restricted through subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) details the Repatriation Medical Authority's (the Authority) intention to conduct an investigation into carrying and lifting loads as factors contributing to thoracic spondylosis, in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 62 & 63 of 2014. The Authority aims to gather insights from various stakeholders including veterans, representatives, and experts in relevant fields. Eligible individuals and organisations are invited to submit written statements by 19 January 2018, either electronically via the RMA website or through email or post.
The obligations imposed by this legislation include the requirement for specified individuals and organisations to submit written submissions within the stipulated timeframe. These submissions should provide relevant insights and expertise concerning the investigation. Furthermore, the Authority must ensure that all submissions are received and processed according to the RMA Submission Guidelines, which are available online for reference. The Authority also has the responsibility to organise and conduct the investigation, starting with a meeting on 7 February 2018.
Failure to comply with the submission requirements may lead to various consequences. While the notice does not explicitly state penalties, non-compliance could potentially impact the thoroughness and credibility of the investigation. The Authority may also consider the lack of participation from key stakeholders when formulating its findings. Additionally, there could be indirect repercussions for veterans and their representatives if the investigation does not incorporate a wide range of perspectives, potentially affecting the fairness and effectiveness of any resulting policies or entitlements.