SPECIALIST MEDICAL REVIEW COUNCIL
Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
Section 196ZB
NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO CARRY OUT A REVIEW
The Specialist Medical Review Council (the Council) has been asked under section 196Y of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (the Act) to review the contents of the Statement of Principles Nos. 55 & 56 of 2014 made by the Repatriation Medical Authority (the RMA) in respect to Chronic Multisymptom Illness. The Council gives notice under section 196ZB of the Act that it intends to carry out a review under section 196W of the Act of all the information available to the RMA when it determined, amended or last amended the Statements of Principles about Chronic Multisymptom Illness.
The following persons or organisations are invited to make written submissions to the Council:
- The Repatriation Commission
- The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission
- A person eligible to make a claim for a pension under Part II or IV of the Act
- A person eligible to make a claim for compensation under section 319 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004; and
- An organisation representing veterans, Australian Mariners, members of the Forces, members of Peacekeeping Forces or their dependants.
Written submissions must be received by 19 December 2014.
The Council will hold its first meeting for the purposes of this review after 19 December 2014. The location, date and time of the meeting for the hearing of oral submissions complementing written submissions will be advised to the persons/organisations that have asked for the review under section 196Y of the Act and those persons and organisations that make written submissions.
For advice on the preparation of written submissions telephone the Council Secretariat on 07 3223 8420, or via the website www.smrc.gov.au. Submissions should be lodged with the Council Secretariat, PO Box 895, Woden, ACT 2606 or SMRC.registrar@dva.gov.au
Charles Guest
Convener
Overview
The Specialist Medical Review Council, under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, has announced its intention to review the contents of Statement of Principles Nos. 55 & 56 of 2014 concerning Chronic Multisymptom Illness. This review was initiated at the request of the Repatriation Medical Authority, and the Council is inviting written submissions from relevant stakeholders, including the Repatriation Commission, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, individuals eligible for pensions or compensation claims, and organisations representing veterans and their dependents. This process is designed to ensure that all relevant information available to the Repatriation Medical Authority at the time of determining, amending, or last amending the Statements of Principles is thoroughly reviewed. The Council aims to hold its first meeting after the submission deadline of 19 December 2014, with details of the meeting to be communicated to those who requested the review or submitted written submissions. This initiative seeks to address gaps in the existing legislative framework by ensuring a comprehensive review of medical principles impacting veterans’ entitlements.
Scope and Application
The Specialist Medical Review Council, established under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, has been mandated to review the contents of Statement of Principles Nos. 55 and 56 of 2014 regarding Chronic Multisymptom Illness, as made by the Repatriation Medical Authority. This review applies to all information available to the RMA when it determined, amended, or last amended the Statements of Principles about Chronic Multisymptom Illness. The scope of the review extends to various stakeholders, including the Repatriation Commission, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, individuals eligible to claim a pension or compensation under specified sections of the Act, and organisations representing veterans and their dependants. The review aims to ensure that the legislative framework adequately addresses the needs of those affected by Chronic Multisymptom Illness. Submissions from interested parties must be submitted by 19 December 2014. The Council will convene its first meeting post this date to initiate the review process, with further details regarding the hearing of oral submissions to be communicated to relevant parties.
Key Provisions
Section 196ZB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (the Act) outlines the procedure for the Specialist Medical Review Council (the Council) to notify its intention to review the contents of the Statement of Principles Nos. 55 and 56 of 2014 concerning Chronic Multisymptom Illness. The Council, under section 196Y, has been tasked with this review and intends to evaluate all information available to the Repatriation Medical Authority (the RMA) when it determined, amended, or last amended the Statements of Principles. This review aims to ensure that all relevant information has been considered thoroughly.
Various entities and individuals are invited to submit written submissions to the Council by 19 December 2014. These include the Repatriation Commission, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, individuals eligible to claim a pension or compensation, and organisations representing veterans, Australian Mariners, members of the Forces, members of Peacekeeping Forces, or their dependants. The Council will hold its first meeting for the review after this submission deadline. Parties invited to make a review request will receive details of the meeting for oral submissions.
The Act imposes specific obligations on the Council and the invited entities and individuals. The Council must organise the review, ensure all relevant information is considered, and provide a platform for written and oral submissions. Invited entities and individuals must prepare and submit their written submissions by the stipulated deadline, and where applicable, attend the oral submissions meeting. The Council is also responsible for providing guidance on the preparation of submissions, which can be obtained by contacting the Council Secretariat.
For breaches of the obligations and requirements set out in the Act, the legislation does not explicitly state offences, penalties, or consequences. However, failure to comply with the review process or submission deadlines could potentially result in legal challenges or questions regarding the validity of the review outcomes. It is essential for all parties involved to adhere to the timelines and procedures outlined to ensure the review is conducted effectively and fairly.