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:

1. experiencing a category 2 stressor; and
2. experiencing a problem with a long-term relationship,

as factors in suicide and attempted suicide.

This investigation will be carried out in the context of Statements of Principles Instrument Nos. 65 & 66 of 2016, as amended, concerning suicide and attempted suicide.

Submissions

The Authority invites the following persons and organisations to provide comments or make written submissions to the Authority in respect of the review:

 a person eligible to make a claim for pension under Part II or Part IV of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986;

 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.

First Meeting

The Authority will hold its first meeting for the purposes of this investigation on 5 December 2017.

Contact Details

Persons and organisations wishing to make a submission can use the RMA website [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 telephone number or email address below for further assistance.

All submissions must be in writing and received by the Authority at the address below no later than 13 November 2017.