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 gait disturbance as a factor in trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy.
This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 45 & 46 of 2015 concerning trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy.
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 4 August 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 20 July 2020.
The Common Seal of the ) Repatriation Medical Authority ) was affixed at the direction of: ) | |
| PROFESSOR NICHOLAS SAUNDERS AO CHAIRPERSON 12 / 6 / 2020 |
Overview
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) is an Australian legislative framework designed to provide various benefits to veterans, including pensions and compensation. The Act was enacted to address the needs of veterans who have served in the Australian Defence Force and their dependants, ensuring they receive appropriate recognition and support for their service. The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) is responsible for carrying out investigations into medical conditions that may affect the entitlements of veterans. In this instance, the Authority has issued a notice of investigation under section 196G of the VEA, focusing on gait disturbance as a factor in trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy, in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 45 & 46 of 2015. The Authority invites submissions from eligible individuals, organisations, and experts to inform the investigation, with a submission deadline of 20 July 2020. This process underscores the commitment of the Authority to thoroughly review and understand the impact of these medical conditions on veterans' entitlements.
Scope and Application
The Repatriation Medical Authority, under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, has issued a notice of its intention to conduct an investigation concerning gait disturbance as a factor in trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy. This investigation is specifically tied to Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 45 and 46 of 2015, which pertain to these conditions. The Authority's notice extends an invitation to various stakeholders, including individuals eligible for pensions or compensation under the VEA or Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans and their dependents, and experts in relevant fields, to submit written contributions. Submissions are due by 20 July 2020 and can be lodged electronically, by email, or by post, with detailed guidelines available on the RMA website. The investigation is a Commonwealth initiative, with the geographic reach encompassing all eligible claimants and stakeholders within Australia. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the notice, but the scope is specifically tailored to those directly involved with or knowledgeable about the conditions under scrutiny.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the notice concern the investigation of gait disturbance as a factor in trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 45 and 46 of 2015. Specifically, section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) provides the legal basis for the investigation being carried out by the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority). This investigation is mandated under subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA.
The obligations and requirements of the Act for the parties or entities it governs include the duty of the Authority to conduct this investigation and the requirement for specified persons and organisations to submit written submissions by 20 July 2020. Eligible individuals and organisations, such as those eligible to make a claim for pension or compensation under the VEA or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, representatives of veterans and their dependants, and experts in relevant fields, are invited to contribute. Submissions can be made electronically through the RMA website, by email, or by post, following the guidelines provided by the RMA.
There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance mentioned in the notice itself. However, failure to adhere to the submission guidelines or the deadline may result in the Authority considering the submission incomplete or out of scope for the investigation. The notice provides contact details for further assistance and clarification on the submission process, ensuring that interested parties can effectively participate in the investigation.
The Authority’s first meeting for this investigation is scheduled for 4 August 2020, indicating a structured timeline for the process. The notice underscores the importance of timely and relevant submissions, which will be crucial for the Authority's evaluation and decision-making. The Repatriation Medical Authority, represented by Professor Nicholas Saunders AO, Chairperson, affixes the Common Seal to the notice, signifying its official nature and the Authority’s commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the specified medical conditions.