Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 Act No. 27 of 1986 as amended This compilation was prepared on 6 April 2009 taking into account amendments up to Act No. 27 of 2009 Volume 3 includes: Table of Contents Sections 94 - 216 The text of any of those amendments not in force on that date is appended in the Notes section The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may be affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section Contents Part VI-Allowances and other benefits 1 Division 1-Preliminary 1 94 Interpretation 1 96 Application 1 Division 2-Eligibility for allowances and other benefits 3 97 Clothing allowance 3 98 Attendant allowance 4 98A Bereavement payment in respect of partnered disabled veterans 6 98AA Bereavement payments in respect of certain single, disabled veterans 8 98B Funeral benefits-automatic grant to estate of certain deceased veterans 9 99 Further funeral benefits-veterans 9 100 Funeral benefits-dependants of deceased veterans 12 102 Decoration allowance 13 103 Victoria Cross allowance 14 104 Recreation transport allowance 15 105 Vehicle assistance scheme 17 106 Special assistance 18 107 Temporary incapacity allowance 19 108 Loss of earnings allowance 21 109 Advances on account of loss of earnings allowance 26 110 Travelling expenses 27 Division 3-Procedural 29 111 Application 29 112 Time for applying for certain benefits 30 113 Time for applying for funeral benefit 31 114 Commencement of payment of certain allowances 32 115 Review of decision etc. 33 Part VIA-Rehabilitation 35 Division 1-Preliminary 35 115A Definitions 35 115B Making of the Scheme 36 Division 2-Provisions relating to the income of veterans who participate in vocational rehabilitation programs 38 115C Rate of pension while on program 38 115D Reduced daily pension amount-pensions under Parts II and IV 38 115E Application for increase in reduced daily pension amount 40 115F Determination by the Commission 41 115G Excluded income amount-invalidity service pensions 42 Division 3-Recovery of cost of rehabilitation 43 115H Recovery of cost of rehabilitation 43 115J Where a person receives a notice under subsection 115H(6) 44 115K Recovery of amount by the Commonwealth 45 115L Determination of amount of costs of rehabilitation programs 45 Part VII-Veterans' Children Education Scheme 47 116 Interpretation 47 116A Determination of class of persons for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of eligible child in subsection 116(1) 49 116B Person may apply for determination under subsection 116C(2) 50 116C Commission may determine that a person is a member of a class determined under section 116A 51 116D Review of Commission's decision under subsection 116C(1) 51 117 Preparation of the Scheme 52 118 Commission may provide benefits under Scheme 53 Part VIIAA-Education entry payment 54 118AA Eligibility 54 118AAB Need for a claim 54 118AAC Entitlement to and amount of payment 55 118AAD Payment to be refunded 55 Part VIIA-Pharmaceutical allowance and advance pharmaceutical allowance 56 Division 1-Pharmaceutical allowance 56 Subdivision A-Eligibility for and payability of pharmaceutical allowance 56 118A Eligibility for pharmaceutical allowance 56 118B Pharmaceutical allowance not payable in some circumstances 57 Subdivision B-Rate of pharmaceutical allowance 58 118C Rate of pharmaceutical allowance 58 118D No pharmaceutical allowance if annual limit reached 58 Subdivision C-Payment of pharmaceutical allowance 59 118E Payment of pharmaceutical allowance 59 Division 2-Advance pharmaceutical allowance 60 Subdivision A-Eligibility for and payability of advance pharmaceutical allowance 60 118F Eligibility for advance pharmaceutical allowance 60 Subdivision B-Claim for advance pharmaceutical allowance 60 118G Need for a claim 60 118H Who can claim? 61 118I Making a claim 61 118K Proper claim 61 Subdivision C-Amount of advance pharmaceutical allowance 63 118L Amount of advance pharmaceutical allowance 63 118M Annual limit 63 Part VIIAB-Defence Force Income Support Allowance and related payments 65 Division 1-Introduction 65 118N Simplified outline 65 118NA Definitions 66 Division 2-Defence Force Income Support Allowance 68 Subdivision A-Payment of Defence Force Income Support Allowance 68 118NB Payment of Defence Force Income Support Allowance 68 Subdivision B-Rate of Defence Force Income Support Allowance 69 118NC Rate of Defence Force Income Support Allowance 69 Subdivision C-Special rules for the Social Security Act 72 118ND Bereavement payments under the Social Security Act 72 118NE Remote Area Allowance under the Social Security Act 75 Division 3-DFISA bonus 77 Subdivision A-Payment of DFISA bonus 77 118NF Payment of DFISA bonus 77 118NG When DFISA bonus is to be paid 77 118NH Payment of bonus after death 77 Subdivision B-Amount of DFISA bonus 79 118NI Amount of DFISA bonus 79 118NIA Top up of DFISA bonus for social security top up 79 Subdivision C-DFISA bonus bereavement payment 80 118NIB Qualification for DFISA bonus bereavement payment 80 118NIC Amount of DFISA bonus bereavement payment 80 118NID Payment of DFISA bonus bereavement payment 80 118NIE Payment of DFISA bonus bereavement payment after death 81 Division 4-DFISA-like payments etc. under regulations 82 118NJ DFISA-like payments etc. under regulations 82 Part VIIAC-Utilities allowance 84 Division 1-Eligibility for and payability of utilities allowance 84 118O Definition 84 118OA Eligibility for utilities allowance 84 118OB When utilities allowance is payable 84 Division 2-Rate of utilities allowance 86 118OC Rate of utilities allowance 86 Division 3-Payment of utilities allowance 87 118OD Payment of utilities allowance by instalments 87 Part VIIAD-Seniors concession allowance 88 Division 1-Eligibility for and payability of seniors concession allowance 88 118P Definition 88 118PA Eligibility for seniors concession allowance 88 118PB When seniors concession allowance is payable 89 Division 2-Rate of seniors concession allowance 91 118PC Rate of seniors concession allowance 91 Division 3-Payment of seniors concession allowance 92 118PD Payment of seniors concession allowance by instalments 92 Part VIIB-Telephone allowance 93 Division 1-Eligibility for and payability of telephone allowance 93 118Q Eligibility for telephone allowance 93 118R Telephone allowance not payable in some circumstances 95 Division 2-Rate of telephone allowance 97 118S Standard rate of telephone allowance 97 118SA Increased rate of telephone allowance 98 118SB Increased rate of telephone allowance for home Internet 100 Division 3-Payment of telephone allowance 102 118T Payment by instalments 102 118U Calculation of amount of instalment 102 Part VIIC-Seniors health card 103 Division 1-Eligibility for and entitlement to a seniors health card 103 Subdivision A-Eligibility 103 118V Eligibility for seniors health card 103 Subdivision B-Entitlement 106 118W Entitlement to a seniors health card 106 118X Social Security cardholder not entitled 106 Division 2-Claim for seniors health card 107 118Y Need for a claim 107 118Z Who can claim? 107 118ZA Making a claim 107 118ZC Claimant must be an Australian resident and in Australia 107 118ZD Claim may be withdrawn 108 Division 3-Investigation of claim 109 118ZE Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission 109 Division 4-Consideration and determination of claim 110 118ZF Duties of Commission in relation to claim 110 118ZG Entitlement determination 111 118ZH Date of effect of determination 111 Division 5-Cardholder's obligations 112 118ZI Secretary may require notice of the happening of event or a change in circumstances 112 118ZJ Secretary may require particular information relevant to eligibility for seniors health card 113 118ZJA When copy of notice of assessment of taxable income to be given to Department 115 Division 6-Continuation, variation and termination 116 118ZK Continuing effect of determination 116 118ZL Person ceases to be entitled to card automatically- recipient complying with section 118ZI notification obligations 116 118ZM Person ceases to be entitled to card automatically- recipient not complying with section 118ZI notification obligations 117 118ZN Determination that a person ceases to be entitled to a seniors health card 117 118ZO Person may cease to be entitled to a seniors health card for failure to comply with section 118ZJ notice 118 118ZP Resumption of entitlement 118 118ZQ Date of effect of favourable determination 119 118ZR Date of effect of adverse determination 119 Division 7-Review of decisions 120 118ZS Review of certain decisions 120 118ZT Application for review 120 118ZU Commission's powers where request for review 120 118ZV Date of effect of certain review decisions 121 118ZW Commission must make written record of review decision and reasons 121 118ZX Person who requested review to be notified of decision 121 118ZY Powers of Commission to gather evidence 122 118ZZ Withdrawal of request for review 123 Division 8-Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator 124 118ZZA Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator 124 Part VIID-2006 one-off payment to older Australians 130 118ZZB 2006 one-off payment to older Australians 130 118ZZC Amount of the one-off payment 131 118ZZD Claim not required for 2006 one-off payment to older Australians 131 118ZZE Payment of 2006 one-off payment to older Australians 132 118ZZF Debts arising in respect of 2006 one-off payment to older Australians 132 Part VIIE-2007 one-off payment to older Australians 134 118ZZG 2007 one-off payment to older Australians 134 118ZZH Amount of the one-off payment 135 118ZZI Claim not required for 2007 one-off payment to older Australians 135 118ZZJ Payment of 2007 one-off payment to older Australians 135 118ZZK Debts arising in respect of 2007 one-off payment to older Australians 135 Part VIIF-2008 one-off payment to older Australians 138 118ZZL 2008 one-off payment to older Australians 138 118ZZM Amount of the one-off payment 139 118ZZN Claim not required for 2008 one-off payment to older Australians 139 118ZZO Payment of 2008 one-off payment to older Australians 139 118ZZP Debts arising in respect of 2008 one-off payment to older Australians 139 Part VIIG-Economic security strategy payment 142 118ZZQ Eligibility for economic security strategy payment 142 118ZZR Amount of economic security strategy payment 143 118ZZS Claim not required for economic security strategy payment 143 118ZZT Payment of economic security strategy payment 143 118ZZU Debts arising in respect of economic security strategy payment 143 Part VIII-General provisions applicable to pensions etc. 146 119 Commission not bound by technicalities 146 120 Standard of proof 148 120A Reasonableness of hypothesis to be assessed by reference to Statement of Principles 150 120B Reasonable satisfaction to be assessed in certain cases by reference to Statement of Principles 151 121 Instalments of pension 152 122 Payment of pension 153 122A Pension or allowance may be paid to bank etc. 154 122B Direct deductions at person's request 155 122C Payment of DFISA outside Australia 156 122D Deductions of DFISA, DFISA bonus and DFISA bonus bereavement payment paid to Commissioner of Taxation 156 122E Deductions of DFISA paid to Child Support Registrar 157 123 Interpretation 157 123A Payment of pension etc. on death of person 158 123B Distribution where deceased leaves valid will 159 123C Intestacy 160 123D Statutory order of distribution 161 123E Non-distributable amounts 162 124 Termination of pension 162 125 Pensions etc. absolutely inalienable 163 126 Death of claimant 164 126A Death of a person who has not made a formal claim etc. 165 127 Power to obtain information 166 128 Secretary may obtain information etc. 168 128A Provision of tax file numbers 171 129 Self-incrimination 174 130 Furnishing of information 174 131 Interpretation 174 132 Payment of travelling expenses in certain cases 174 132A Advance of travelling expenses 178 Part IX-Veterans' Review Board 179 Division 1-Preliminary 179 133 Interpretation 179 Division 2-Continuance of Veterans' Review Board 180 134 Continuance of Veterans' Review Board 180 Division 3-Review by the Board of decisions 181 135 Review of decisions in respect of pensions and attendant allowances 181 136 Application for review 184 137 Secretary to prepare report 185 138 Board not bound by technicalities etc. 186 139 Decision of Board 187 140 Statements of decisions of the Board etc. 187 140A Correction of errors in decisions or statements of reasons 189 Division 4-Organization of the Board 190 141 Constitution of Board for exercise of powers 190 142 Principal Member responsible for arrangement of business 190 143 Members to constitute Board 190 144 Member ceasing to be member etc. 191 145 Places of sitting 192 Division 5-Proceedings before the Board 193 146 Principal Member or Senior Member to preside at hearing 193 147 Parties to review before Board 193 148 Procedure of Board 194 149 Questions to be decided by majority of Board 196 150 Hearing to be in private except in special circumstances 196 151 Powers of Board 197 152 Request to Secretary for documents etc. 198 153 Information may be made available to parties 198 154 Period of operation of certain decisions of Board 199 155 Withdrawal of application 199 155AA Power to dismiss application-initial consideration 200 155AB Power to dismiss application-subsequent consideration 201 155AC Representation of applicant where outcome could be dismissal of application 202 155A Review by Administrative Appeals Tribunal 203 Division 6-Date of operation of decisions of Board 204 156 Date of operation of decision by Board 204 157 Dates that may be specified 204 Division 7-Membership of the Board 207 158 Appointment of members of Board 207 159 Terms of appointment 207 160 Remuneration and allowances of members 207 161 Acting members 208 162 Leave of absence 209 163 Resignation 209 164 Removal from office 209 165 Disclosure of interests 211 Division 8-Miscellaneous 213 166 Delegation 213 167 Protection of members and witnesses 213 168 Failure of witness to attend 213 169 Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions etc. 214 170 Contempt of Board 215 170A Medical expenses 215 170B Travelling expenses for obtaining medical evidence 216 170C Advance of travelling expenses 217 171 Fees for witnesses 218 172 Staff to assist Board 218 173 Oath or affirmation of office 218 Part X-Review of decisions by Administrative Appeals Tribunal 219 174 Interpretation 219 175 Applications for review 219 176 Application of Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 221 177 Effective dates of certain determinations relating to payment of pension or seniors health card 223 178 Period of operation of certain decisions of Administrative Appeals Tribunal 226 Part XI-The Repatriation Commission 228 Division 1-Establishment, functions and powers 228 179 Continuance of Commission 228 180 Functions of Commission 228 180A Determination by Commission 229 181 Powers of Commission 232 Division 2-Constitution and meetings of Commission 233 182 Membership of the Commission 233 183 President and Deputy President 233 184 Appointment of Secretary as a Commissioner and President 234 185 Remuneration and allowances 235 186 Leave of absence 235 187 Resignation 235 188 Termination of appointment 235 189 Commissioner to disclose any interest in claims for pensions etc. 237 190 Commissioner to disclose other interests 239 191 Acting commissioners 239 192 Acting President or Deputy President 240 193 Appointment to act as President and also Secretary 242 194 Appointments 245 195 Meetings 246 Division 3-Staff 248 196 Staff 248 Part XIA-The Repatriation Medical Authority 249 Division 1-Establishment, functions and powers 249 196A Establishment of Authority 249 196B Functions of Authority 249 196C Powers of Authority with respect to investigations 256 196CA Authority not required to investigate certain requests 257 196CB Authority may consolidate requests 258 196E Request for an investigation, review etc. 258 196F Submissions to the Authority 259 196G Notice of investigation 259 196H Copyright in submissions 260 196I Access to information 260 196J Notice of decision not to make etc. Statement of Principles 261 196K Repatriation Medical Authority to send information to Review Council 261 196KA Definitions for the purposes of the MRCA 262 Division 2-Constitution and meetings 263 196L Membership 263 196M Qualifications 263 196N Tenure of office 263 196O Resignation 263 196P Termination of appointment 263 196Q Acting Chairperson 264 196R Meetings 264 196S Remuneration and allowances 264 Division 3-Staff and consultants 266 196T Staff 266 196U Consultants 266 Part XIB-The Specialist Medical Review Council 267 Division 1-Establishment and functions 267 196V Establishment of Council 267 196W Functions of Review Council 267 196X Notification of decision of Review Council to be notified in Gazette 270 196Y Request for review of contents of Statement of Principles etc. 270 196Z Request for review of decision of Repatriation Medical Authority not to carry out an investigation 271 196ZA Submissions to Review Council 272 196ZB Notice of investigation 273 196ZC Copyright in submissions 274 196ZD Access to information 274 Division 2-Constitution and meetings 275 196ZE Membership 275 196ZF Qualifications 275 196ZG Tenure of office 275 196ZH Resignation 276 196ZI Termination of appointment 276 196ZJ Acting Convener 276 196ZK Conduct of reviews 276 196ZL Remuneration and allowances 277 Division 3-Staff 278 196ZM Staff 278 Division 4-Payment of medical and travelling expenses 279 196ZN Medical expenses 279 196ZO Travelling expenses for obtaining medical evidence 280 196ZP Advance of travelling expenses 281 Part XII-Miscellaneous 282 197A Saving and transitional provisions 282 197 Pensions etc. not for certain members of the Defence Force 282 198 Variations of rates of certain pensions 282 198A Variation of rates of orphan's pension 288 198D Variation of rates of certain allowances etc. 290 198E Indexation of utilities allowance and seniors concession allowance 292 198F Indexation of telephone allowance 296 198FA Indexation of Victoria Cross allowance 298 198G 1 July 2000 increase in certain amounts 300 198GA 1 July 2000 increase in rent assistance amounts 301 198H Adjustment of amounts following 1 July 2000 increase 302 198J 1 July 2000 increase in income test free area 307 198K 1 July 2000 increase in assets test free area 307 198L 1 July 2000 increase in income/assets reduction limit 308 198M Rounding off provisional replacement amounts 308 199 Appropriation 309 200 Commission may accept contributions 309 201 Commission may administer trusts 310 202 Trustees for pensioners 311 202A Commission or public servant acting as trustee 313 202B Other person acting as trustee 314 203 Arrangements with Governments of other countries 315 205 Recovery of overpayments 315 205AAA Notices in respect of debt 319 205AAB Interest on debt 320 205AAC Determination that interest not to be payable 322 205AAD Administrative charge 323 205AAE Penalty interest rate 323 205AA Recovery of overpayment by deduction from other pension, benefit or allowance 323 205AB Recovery of certain amounts from financial institutions 324 205A Commission may take action in relation to money owing to pensioners 326 205B Certain decisions of Commission reviewable under Social Security Act etc. 328 206 Waiver etc. of debts 328 208 Offences 329 209 Multiple offences 331 210 Judicial notice to be taken of certain matters 332 210A Evidence 332 211 Order for repayment of pension etc. 333 212 Delegation by Minister 334 213 Delegation by Commission 335 214 Delegation by Secretary 336 214A Telephone access to offices at cheap rate 336 215 Annual report 336 216 Regulations 337 Part VI-Allowances and other benefits Division 1-Preliminary 94 Interpretation In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears: (a) a reference to a hospital or other institution shall be read as including a reference to a home, a hostel, a medical centre, an out-patient clinic and a rehabilitation or training establishment; and (b) treatment has the same meaning as it has in Part V. 96 Application (1) Without prejudice to its effect apart from this section, this Part has effect in relation to a person who is, or has been: (a) a member of the Forces as defined by subsection 68(1); or (b) a member of a Peacekeeping Force as defined by subsection 68(1); and in relation to a dependant of such a person who has died, in like manner as it has effect in relation to a veteran and a dependant of a deceased veteran, respectively. (2) For the purpose only of applying this Part as provided in subsection (1): (a) a reference in this Part to a veteran shall be read as a reference to a member of the Forces, or a member of a Peacekeeping Force, as defined by subsection 68(1); (b) a reference in this Part to a war-caused injury shall be read as a reference to a defence-caused injury; (c) a reference in this Part to a war-caused disease shall be read as a reference to a defence-caused disease; (d) a reference in this Part to the death of a veteran that was war- caused shall be read as a reference to the death of a member of the Forces, or a member of a Peacekeeping Force, as defined by subsection 68(1), that was defence-caused; (e) a reference in this Part to a pension under Part II shall be read as a reference to a pension under Part IV; (f) the references in subparagraph 102(1)(b)(ii) and subsections 107(5) and (6) and 108(8) and (9) to section 26 shall be read as references to section 26 (in its application to pensions under Part IV) or subsection 74(8); and (g) a reference in this Part to a claim or application under Part II shall be read as a reference to a claim or application made under section 14 or 15, in its application to pensions under Part IV. Division 2-Eligibility for allowances and other benefits 97 Clothing allowance (1) Where a veteran is being paid a pension under Part II in respect of incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in column 1 of the following table, the Commission may grant to the veteran an allowance, called clothing allowance, at the rate specified in column 2 of that table opposite to the description of that kind of incapacity in column 1: |Column 1 |Column 2 | |Kinds of incapacity |Rate per | | |fortnight | | |$ | |1. One leg and one arm |7.20 | |amputated | | |2. One leg or one arm amputated|3.30 | |3. Both legs or both arms |4.60 | |amputated | | |4. One leg amputated, causing |4.60 | |essential hip disarticulation | | |5. Blinded in both eyes |3.30 | (2) Where the Commission is satisfied that it is necessary for a veteran who is being paid a clothing allowance under subsection (1) by reason of a kind of incapacity described in item 2, 3 or 4 (in column 1) of the table in subsection (1) to use a crutch or crutches in addition to any artificial aid, that subsection has effect as if the rate specified in that item (in column 2) were an amount per fortnight equal to the amount specified in item 1 (in column 2) of that table. (3) Where: (a) a veteran is being paid a pension under Part II in respect of incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind other than a kind described in column 1 of the table in subsection (1); and (b) exceptional wear and tear, or exceptional damage, to the clothing of the veteran occurs by reason of the kind of incapacity from which the veteran is suffering; the Commission may grant to the veteran a clothing allowance at such rate, not exceeding an amount per fortnight equal to the amount specified in item 2 (in column 2) of that table, as the Commission deems fit. (4) Where a veteran is granted a clothing allowance under subsection (1) and is also granted a clothing allowance under subsection (3), clothing allowance shall be paid to the veteran at a rate per fortnight equal to the sum of: (a) the rate per fortnight at which the allowance was granted under subsection (1); and (b) the rate per fortnight at which the allowance was granted under subsection (3). (5) For the purpose of this section: (a) amputation of a hand of a veteran shall be treated as amputation of an arm of the veteran; and (b) amputation of a foot of a veteran shall be treated as amputation of a leg of the veteran. (6) Clothing allowance may be paid to a veteran by fortnightly instalments, or in such other manner as is determined by the Commission, but the amount, or sum of the amounts, of clothing allowance paid to a veteran in any period of 12 consecutive months shall not exceed an amount equal to the sum of 26 fortnightly instalments. 98 Attendant allowance (1) Where a veteran is being paid a pension under Part II in respect of incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in column 1 of the following table, the Commission may grant to the veteran an allowance, called attendant allowance, at the rate specified in column 2 of that table opposite to the description of that kind of incapacity in column 1, for or towards the cost of the services of an attendant to assist the veteran: |Column 1 |Column 2 | |Kinds of incapacity |Rate per | | |fortnight | | |$ | |1. Blinded in both eyes |84.30 | |2. Blinded in both eyes together |168.60 | |with total loss of speech or | | |total deafness | | |3. Both arms amputated |168.60 | |4. Both legs amputated and one |84.30 | |arm amputated | | |5. Both legs amputated at the hip|84.30 | |or one leg amputated at the hip | | |and the other leg amputated in | | |the upper third | | (2) Where: (a) a veteran is being paid a pension under Part II in respect of incapacity: (i) from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease affecting the cerebro-spinal system; or (ii) from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease that has caused a condition similar in effect or severity to an injury or disease affecting the cerebro-spinal system; and (b) the Commission is of the opinion that the veteran has a need for the services of an attendant to assist the veteran; the Commission may grant to the veteran an allowance, called attendant allowance, at the rate of an amount per fortnight equal to the amount specified in item 1 (in column 2) of the table in subsection (1), for or towards the cost of the services of an attendant to assist the veteran. (3) For the purposes of the application of the table in subsection (1) to and in relation to a veteran, a leg, foot, hand or arm that has been rendered permanently and wholly useless shall be treated as having been amputated. (4) Where a veteran is cared for, at public expense, in a hospital or other institution, attendant allowance is not payable to the veteran in respect of the period commencing on the day of the first pension period occurring after the veteran commences to be so cared for and ending on the day on which the veteran ceases to be so cared for. (4B) Attendant allowance is not payable to a veteran if carer payment under Part 2.5 of the Social Security Act: (a) is payable to a person because the person is caring for the veteran; or (b) would be payable to a person because the person is caring for the veteran, apart from action taken in relation to that pension: (i) under section 231 or 231A (cancellation or suspension) of that Act because the person has contravened a provision of that Act (other than section 233, 1304 or 1305); or (ii) under section 1231 or 1234A (deductions to recover debts and overpayments) of that Act. (5) Where the Commission makes a decision with respect to an application for attendant allowance under this section, section 34 applies to and in relation to the decision in like manner as it applies to and in relation to a decision with respect to a claim for pension in accordance with section 14. 98A Bereavement payment in respect of partnered disabled veterans (1) This section applies where a veteran dies if the veteran was, immediately before his or her death: (a) a member of a couple; and (b) receiving a disability pension. (2) The widow or widower of the deceased veteran is entitled, in respect of the period of 12 weeks after the deceased veteran's death, to payments at: (a) if the deceased veteran was, immediately before his or her death, in receipt of the disability pension at a rate under subsection 22(4), 23(4), (5) or (6) or 24(4), (5) or (6)-the rate at which the disability pension would have been payable to him or her, if he or she had not died, on the first available pension pay day after the Commission becomes aware of the death; or (b) in any other case-the lower of the following: (i) the rate at which the disability pension would have been payable to the deceased veteran, if he or she had not died, on the first available pension pay day after the Commission becomes aware of the death; (ii) the general rate in force on that pension pay day. (3) Where: (a) the widow or widower dies within 12 weeks after the death of the deceased veteran; and (b) the Commission has not become aware of the death of the deceased veteran before the death of the widow or widower; there is payable, to such person as the Commission thinks appropriate, in respect of the deceased veteran, an amount worked out using the formula: [pic] where: deceased veteran's amount means: (a) if the deceased veteran was, immediately before his or her death, in receipt of the disability pension at a rate under subsection 22(4), 23(4), (5) or (6) or 24(4), (5) or (6)-the amount of the disability pension that would have been payable to him or her, if he or she had not died, on the first available pension pay day after the death of the widow or the widower; or (b) in any other case-the lower of the following: (i) the amount of the disability pension that would have been payable to the deceased veteran, if he or she had not died, on the first available pension pay day after the death of the widow or the widower; (ii) the amount that would have been payable to the deceased veteran, if he or she had not died, on the first available pension pay day after the death of the widow or widower, at the general rate in force on that pension pay day. (4) Subsection (2) does not apply: (a) if the Commission does not become aware of the veteran's death until after the death of the widow or widower; or (b) in respect of any pension pay day after the death of the widow or widower. (5) Where: (a) within the period of 12 weeks after the death of a veteran, an amount to which the veteran would have been entitled if he or she had not died has been paid by way of a disability pension into an account with a bank; and (b) this section applies in relation to the death of the veteran; and (c) the bank pays to the widow or widower of the deceased veteran, out of that account, an amount not exceeding the total of the amounts paid as mentioned in paragraph (a); then, in spite of anything in any other law, the bank is not liable to the Commonwealth, the personal representative of the deceased veteran, or anyone else, for any loss incurred because of the payment of that money to the widow or widower. (6) In this section: disability pension means a pension under Part II or IV, other than a pension payable to a person as a dependant of a deceased veteran. first available pension pay day, in relation to the death of a veteran, means the first pension pay day after the Commission becomes aware of the death for which it is practicable to terminate or adjust the payments being made by way of disability pension in respect of the deceased veteran. 98AA Bereavement payments in respect of certain single, disabled veterans (1) The Commission must pay an amount (bereavement payment), worked out in accordance with subsection (2), to the estate of a deceased veteran if: (a) immediately before the veteran died, he or she was not a member of a couple; and (b) immediately before the veteran died, he or she was being paid a pension under Part II as a veteran to whom subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied; and (c) the veteran died in indigent circumstances; and (d) an application for the bereavement payment is made in accordance with sections 111 and 112. (2) The amount of the bereavement payment is 6 times the amount of the pension that would have been payable to the veteran, if he or she had not died, on the first pension pay day after he or she died. 98B Funeral benefits-automatic grant to estate of certain deceased veterans (1) The Commission is to grant a benefit (funeral benefit) to the estate of a deceased veteran if, immediately before the veteran died: (a) he or she was being paid a pension under Part II at the rate specified in subsection 22(4); or (b) he or she was being paid a pension under Part II as a veteran to whom section 24 applied; or (c) he or she was being paid a pension under Part II at a rate that had been increased under section 27 because the veteran was incapacitated from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in any of items 1 to 8 of the Table in subsection 27(1); or (d) the Commission was satisfied that the veteran had, before the MRCA commencement date, been made a prisoner of war at a time when the veteran was rendering operational service. (2) The amount of the funeral benefit is $2,000. 99 Further funeral benefits-veterans (1) The Commission may grant a benefit, called a funeral benefit, towards the funeral expenses incurred in respect of the funeral of: (a) a veteran whose death was war-caused; (d) a veteran who has died in indigent circumstances; or (e) subject to subsection (3), a veteran who has died: (i) in an institution; (ii) while travelling to or from an institution; (iii) after having been discharged from an institution in which the veteran was being treated for a terminal illness; or (iv) while being treated for a terminal illness at the veteran's home instead of at an institution. Note: See sections 111 and 113 for the making of an application for a funeral benefit under this subsection. (2) The Commission may grant a benefit (funeral benefit) towards the funeral expenses incurred in respect of the funeral of a veteran if, after the death of the veteran: (a) a pension is granted to the veteran that is determined to be payable, from a date before the veteran's death: (i) at a rate that is worked out under subsection 22(4); or (ii) at a rate that is worked out under section 24; or (iii) at a rate that is worked out under section 27 because the veteran was suffering from incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in any of items 1 to 8 of the Table in subsection 27(1); or (b) the rate of a pension that was payable to the veteran under Part II is increased, as from a date before the veteran's death because: (i) subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied to the veteran as from that date; or (ii) section 27 applied to the veteran as from that date because of incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in any of items 1 to 8 of the Table in subsection 27(1); or (c) information is received which satisfies the Commission that the veteran was, before the MRCA commencement date, made a prisoner of war at a time when the veteran was rendering operational service. Note: See sections 111 and 113 for the making of an application for a funeral benefit under this subsection. (3) A funeral benefit must not to be granted under paragraph (1)(e) unless: (a) if subparagraph (1)(e)(i) or (ii) applies-treatment is or was provided in the institution; and (b) in any case-the treatment is or was arranged: (i) by the Commission under Part V of this Act; or (ii) by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission under Chapter 6 of the MRCA. (3A) A funeral benefit is not to be granted under subsection (2) in respect of a veteran if a funeral benefit has been granted to his or her estate under section 98B. (4) A funeral benefit under this section in respect of a deceased veteran consists of: (a) a sum of $2,000 or an amount equal to the amount paid or payable in respect of the funeral of the deceased veteran, whichever is less; and (b) subject to subsection (5), if: (i) the veteran died at a place other than the veteran's ordinary place of residence; and (ii) the veteran was absent from the veteran's ordinary place of residence for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment; and (iii) the Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission arranged for the provision of the treatment; and (iv) a charge was made by the funeral director expressly for transporting the body of the deceased veteran from the place where the veteran died to the place where the veteran ordinarily resided immediately before the veteran died; a sum equal to a reasonable charge for so transporting the body of the deceased veteran. (5) Paragraph (4)(b) does not apply to a charge made by a funeral director for transporting the body of the deceased veteran: (a) outside Australia; or (b) from one place in the metropolitan area of a capital city to another place in the metropolitan area of that city. (6) For the purposes of subparagraph (4)(b)(ii), but without limiting the generality thereof, a veteran shall be deemed to be absent from the veteran's ordinary place of residence for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment: (a) if the veteran is travelling from his or her ordinary place of residence for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment; (b) if the veteran is returning to his or her ordinary place of residence after having obtained medical treatment; (c) if the veteran is being provided with medical treatment at a place other than his or her ordinary place of residence; or (d) if the veteran is away from his or her ordinary place of residence on the recommendation of his or her doctor by way of treatment for an injury or disease. (7) In paragraph (4)(a), the amount paid or payable in respect of the funeral of a deceased veteran means, in a case where the deceased veteran was, immediately before his or her death, a member of a contributory funeral benefit fund, the amount by which the cost of the funeral exceeds the amount of the benefit payable from that fund in relation to the deceased veteran. 100 Funeral benefits-dependants of deceased veterans (1) If: (a) a dependant (other than a reinstated pensioner) of a deceased veteran, being: (i) a veteran whose death was war-caused; or (ii) a veteran who, immediately before his or her death, was being paid pension under Part II as a veteran to whom section 24 applied; or (iii) a veteran who, immediately before his or her death, was being paid pension under Part II at a rate that had been increased under section 27 by reason that the veteran was incapacitated from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 in the table in subsection 27(1); or (b) a reinstated pensioner; has died in indigent circumstances, the Commission may grant a benefit, called funeral benefit, towards the funeral expenses incurred in respect of the funeral of the dependant. Note: See sections 111 and 113 for the making of an application for a funeral benefit under this subsection. (1A) The Commission may grant a benefit towards the funeral expenses incurred in respect of a person's funeral if: (a) either: (i) the person was a wholly dependent partner of a deceased member; or (ii) the person was both an eligible young person, and a dependant of a deceased member, immediately before the member's death; and (b) the person died in indigent circumstances; and (c) section 12 of the MRCA applies in respect of the member. Note: Expressions used in this subsection have the same meanings as they have in the MRCA (see subsection (4)). (2) A funeral benefit under this section in respect of a deceased dependant of a deceased veteran is a sum of $2,000 or an amount equal to the amount paid or payable in respect of the funeral of the deceased dependant, whichever is less. (3) In subsection (2), the amount paid or payable in respect of the funeral of a deceased dependant means, in a case where the dependant was, immediately before his or her death, a member of a contributory funeral benefit fund, the amount by which the cost of the funeral exceeds the amount of the benefit payable from that fund in relation to the deceased dependant. (4) Expressions used in subsection (1A) have the same meanings as they have in the MRCA. 102 Decoration allowance (1) Subject to this section, the Commission may grant an allowance, called decoration allowance, to a veteran who has been awarded an eligible decoration or eligible decorations if the veteran: (a) is in receipt of a pension under Part II; or (b) would be in receipt of a pension under Part II but for: (i) the cancellation, under subsection 124(1), of a pension that had been granted to the veteran under Part II; or (ii) section 26, 30C or 30D. (3) Decoration allowance is not payable to a veteran under this section in respect of any period in respect of which the veteran is entitled to be paid, by an overseas country, an allowance or annuity that is of a similar kind to decoration allowance payable under this section. (4) Decoration allowance granted to a veteran under this section is payable at the rate of $2.10 per fortnight. (5) In this section: eligible decorations means: (a) the following decorations awarded for gallantry during a war to which this Act applies or during warlike operations: (i) the Victoria Cross; (ii) the Cross of Valour; (iii) the Star of Courage; (iv) the Distinguished Service Order; (v) the Distinguished Service Cross; (vi) the Military Cross; (vii) the Distinguished Flying Cross; (viii) the Distinguished Conduct Medal; (ix) the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal; (x) the Distinguished Service Medal; (xi) the Military Medal; (xii) the Distinguished Flying Medal; (xiii) the member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Military Division); (xiv) the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Military Division) (1919-1958); (xv) the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Military Division) with Gallantry Emblem (1958-1974); (xvi) the Victoria Cross for Australia; (xvii) the Star of Gallantry; (xviii) the Medal for Gallantry; and (b) the George Cross; and (c) the George Medal; and (d) such other decorations, awarded for gallantry during a war to which this Act applies or during warlike operations, as are prescribed. 103 Victoria Cross allowance (1) Subject to this section, the Commission may grant an allowance, called Victoria Cross allowance, to a veteran who has been awarded the Victoria Cross or the Victoria Cross for Australia. (2) Victoria Cross allowance granted to a veteran under this section is in addition to any decoration allowance that has been or may be granted to the veteran under section 102. (3) Victoria Cross allowance is not payable to a veteran in respect of any period in respect of which the veteran is entitled to be paid, by an overseas country, an allowance or annuity that is of a similar kind to Victoria Cross allowance payable under this section. (4) Victoria Cross allowance granted to a veteran under this section is payable at the rate of $3,230 per year. Note: The amount fixed by this subsection is indexed annually in line with CPI increases. See section 198FA. 104 Recreation transport allowance (1) Subject to this section, the Commission may grant an allowance, called recreation transport allowance, to a veteran who is suffering an incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in column 1 of the following table: |Column 1 |Column 2 | |Description of incapacity |Rate per | | |fortnight | | |$ | |1. Both legs amputated above the knees |44.80 | |2. Negligible powers of locomotion so as |44.80 | |to be capable of moving, with the aid of | | |crutches or walking sticks, for short | | |distances only | | |3. Handicapped with regard to locomotion |44.80 | |to a degree that, in the opinion of the | | |Commission, is similar to the degree of | | |handicap with regard to locomotion | | |associated with a disability described in| | |item 1 or 2 | | |4. Both arms amputated at or above the |22.40 | |wrists | | |5. Both legs amputated below the knees |22.40 | |6. One leg amputated above the knee and |22.40 | |the other below the knee | | |7. One leg amputated above or below the |22.40 | |knee and one arm amputated below the | | |elbow | | |8. Blinded in both eyes |22.40 | |9. Incapacitated to an extent that, in |22.40 | |the opinion of the Commission, is similar| | |in effect or severity to the extent of | | |incapacity associated with a disability | | |described in item 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 | | |10. Handicapped with regard to locomotion|22.40 | |to a degree that, in the opinion of the | | |Commission, is similar in degree to the | | |handicap with regard to locomotion | | |associated with a disability described in| | |item 5, 6, 7 or 8 | | (2) For the purposes of subsection (1): (a) a leg that has been rendered permanently and wholly useless above the knee or below the knee shall be treated as if it had been amputated above the knee or below the knee, as the case may be; and (b) an arm that has been rendered permanently and wholly useless at or above the wrist or below the elbow, shall be treated as if it had been amputated at or above the wrist, or below the elbow, as the case may be. (3) Recreation transport allowance is payable to a veteran, in respect of the costs incurred by the veteran in travelling for recreational purposes, at the rate specified in column 2 of the table in subsection (1) opposite to the kind of incapacity described in column 1 from which the veteran is suffering. (4) Recreation transport allowance is not payable to a veteran under subsection (1): (a) in respect of any period during which the veteran is being cared for, at public expense, in a hospital or other institution; or (b) if the veteran has participated, or is participating, in the Vehicle Assistance Scheme: (i) during the period of 2 years commencing on, and including, the date on which the veteran was first provided with a vehicle under that Scheme; (ii) during the period of 2 years commencing on, and including, the date on which a replacement motor vehicle grant was or is made under that Scheme in respect of the veteran; (iii) during any period during which there is, under that Scheme, due and payable by the veteran to the Commission the whole or part of an amount equal to the cost to the Commission of providing the veteran with a motor vehicle under that Scheme; or (iv) during any other period during which the veteran is, under that Scheme, eligible to be paid an allowance as a contributor towards the running and maintenance of a vehicle provided for the veteran under that Scheme. (5) For the purpose of the application of subsection (4), a vehicle provided for a veteran before 22 May 1986 under the scheme known as the "Gift Car Scheme" shall, after the commencement of this subsection, be deemed to have been provided under the Vehicle Assistance Scheme. 105 Vehicle assistance scheme (1) The Commission may, by instrument in writing, prepare a scheme, called the Vehicle Assistance Scheme, for the provision of motor vehicles to veterans eligible under this section to participate in the scheme and for the payment of allowances towards the cost of running and maintaining vehicles so provided. (2) The Commission may, by instrument in writing, vary or revoke a scheme prepared under subsection (1) and approved under subsection (3). (3) A scheme prepared by the Commission under subsection (1), and an instrument varying or revoking such a scheme, have no force or effect unless approved by the Minister. (4) Where a scheme prepared by the Commission in accordance with subsection (1), or an instrument under subsection (2), has been approved by the Minister, the Commission shall furnish copies of the scheme or instrument to the Minister, and the Minister shall cause copies to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister received those copies. (5) A veteran is, subject to subsection (7), eligible to participate in the Vehicle Assistance Scheme if the veteran is incapacitated from war-caused injury or war-caused disease by reason of: (a) amputation of both legs above the knee; (b) amputation of one leg above the knee and, in addition: (i) amputation of the other leg at or above the ankle and amputation of one arm at or above the wrist; or (ii) amputation of both arms at or above the wrists; (c) complete paraplegia resulting in the total loss of voluntary power in both legs to the extent that there is insufficient power for purposeful use for stance or locomotion; or (d) a condition that, in the opinion of the Commission, is similar in effect or severity to a condition described in paragraph (a) or (b). (6) The Commission may provide benefits for veterans eligible to participate in the Vehicle Assistance Scheme under and in accordance with the provisions of that Scheme. (7) For the purposes of subsection (5): (a) a leg that has been rendered permanently and wholly useless above the knee shall be treated as if it had been amputated above the knee; (b) a veteran shall not be taken to be incapacitated by reason of the disability described in paragraph (5)(c) unless the disability is such that surgical or other therapeutic measures are not reasonably capable of restoring power for purposeful use for stance or locomotion; and (c) a reference to the Vehicle Assistance Scheme shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be read as a reference to: (i) the Vehicle Assistance Scheme prepared under subsection (1) and approved by the Minister, but not being such a Scheme that has been revoked; or (ii) if that Scheme has been varied under subsection (2) by an instrument approved by the Minister-that Scheme as so varied. 106 Special assistance (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Commission may, in such circumstances, and subject to such conditions (if any), as are prescribed, in its discretion, grant to a veteran, or to a dependant of a veteran or deceased veteran, assistance or benefits of such a kind, and of such an amount or value, as it deems fit in all the circumstances of the case. (2) The Commission must not grant assistance or benefits to a person under subsection (1): (a) in circumstances in which the person is eligible to be granted an allowance or assistance under another provision of this Act; or (b) to a veteran, or a dependant of a veteran or a deceased veteran, if the veteran is only a veteran because of service rendered after the MRCA commencement date. Note: The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission can grant assistance or benefits to veterans who render service after the MRCA commencement date, or to dependants of such veterans (see section 424 of the MRCA). 107 Temporary incapacity allowance (1) The Commission may grant an allowance, called temporary incapacity allowance, to a veteran who is admitted to a hospital or other institution for treatment in respect of a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease if the conditions specified in subsection (2) are fulfilled in relation to the incapacity of the veteran. (2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) in relation to an incapacity of a veteran from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease are: (a) that the veteran has undergone treatment for the incapacity as an inpatient of a hospital or other institution; (b) that, for a continuous period in excess of 4 weeks (being a period commencing on the date on which the veteran was admitted to that hospital or other institution for treatment for that incapacity), the veteran has undergone treatment for that incapacity either as an inpatient of, or after discharge from, that hospital or other institution or has undergone rest and recuperation, after the completion of that treatment, on the recommendation of a medical practitioner; and (c) that, by reason of that treatment, or of that treatment and that rest and recuperation, the veteran was incapable, during a period (in this section referred to as the relevant period applicable to the incapacity), being the whole or part of the continuous period referred to in paragraph (b), of continuing to undertake remunerative work that the veteran would have continued to undertake but for that treatment or that treatment and that rest and recuperation, as the case may be. (3) The condition specified in paragraph (2)(c) shall be taken not to have been fulfilled in relation to the incapacity of a veteran during any part of the relevant period applicable to the incapacity during which the veteran was capable of undertaking remunerative work for periods aggregating more than 8 hours per week, being work that the veteran would have continued to undertake but for the treatment, or the treatment and the rest and recuperation, as the case may be. (4) Where temporary incapacity allowance is granted to a veteran in respect of a veteran's incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war- caused disease, the allowance is payable in respect of the relevant period applicable to the incapacity. (5) Subject to subsection (6), the rate at which temporary incapacity allowance is payable to a veteran is: (a) if the veteran is in receipt of a pension under Part II, or would, but for the operation of section 26, 30C or 30D, be in receipt of such a pension-an amount per fortnight equal to the amount by which the amount specified in subsection 24(4) exceeds the amount per fortnight of the pension that is, or would be, payable; or (b) in any other case-the rate specified in subsection 24(4). (6) The rate at which temporary incapacity allowance is payable to a veteran who is also in receipt of loss of earnings allowance is: (a) if the veteran is in receipt of a pension under Part II, or would, but for the operation of section 26, 30C or 30D, be in receipt of such a pension-an amount per fortnight equal to the amount by which the amount specified in subsection 24(4) exceeds an amount equal to the sum of: (i) the amount per fortnight of the pension that is, or would be, payable; and (ii) the amount per fortnight at which loss of earnings allowance is payable to the veteran; or (b) in any other case-an amount per fortnight equal to the amount by which the amount specified in subsection 24(4) exceeds the amount per fortnight at which loss of earnings allowance is payable to the veteran. (7) Temporary incapacity allowance is not payable to a veteran unless the veteran furnishes to the Commission such information (including certificates of medical practitioners or other persons) as is required by the regulations to be so furnished. (8) Where: (a) temporary incapacity allowance is payable to a veteran in respect of the relevant period applicable to the veteran's incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease; and (b) after the commencement of that period, whether before or after the end of that period: (i) the rate of the veteran's pension under Part II is increased; or (ii) a pension under Part II is granted to the veteran; payable from a date before the end of that period; and (c) the veteran would not have been entitled to be paid the whole or part of the amount of temporary incapacity allowance that was paid to the veteran in respect of that period if that pension had been increased or granted on the day as from which it was payable; an amount equal to the amount of temporary incapacity allowance that the veteran would not have been entitled to be paid shall be deducted from amounts of pension payable to the veteran in a lump sum or by instalments as the Commission determines. Note: If section 25A applies to a veteran, the rate at which temporary incapacity allowance is payable to the veteran is reduced in accordance with that section. 108 Loss of earnings allowance (1) The Commission may grant an allowance, called loss of earnings allowance, to a person in accordance with the provisions of this section. (2) Loss of earnings allowance may be granted to a veteran, in respect of any loss of salary or wages, or loss of earnings on his or her own account from an occupation in which he or she is engaged, suffered by reason of: (a) the veteran's undergoing treatment for incapacity from a war- caused injury or a war-caused disease; (b) the veteran's having to wait for the supply of, or repairs to, an artificial replacement or other surgical aid or appliance necessitated by such an incapacity; (c) an investigation of a claim or application made by the veteran under Part II or of a pension granted to the veteran under that Part; or (d) the veteran's undergoing treatment associated with such an investigation; for the period in respect of which the veteran suffered that loss. (3) Where: (a) a veteran travels for the purpose of: (i) obtaining treatment; (ii) restoration of his or her health; (iii) being fitted with surgical aids or appliances or artificial replacements; (iv) an investigation referred to in paragraph (2)(c); or (v) any other matter related to the payment of a pension; and (b) the Commission authorizes a person to accompany the veteran as his or her attendant; loss of earnings allowance may be granted to the attendant, in respect of any loss of salary or wages, or loss of earnings on his or her own account, suffered by reason of having so accompanied the veteran, for the period in respect of which the attendant suffered that loss. (4) Where a claim for pension for a veteran or a dependant of a veteran: (a) is made by another person, as provided by section 16, on behalf of the veteran or dependant; or (b) is prosecuted by a person who is the legal personal representative of the claimant, or by a person approved under section 126, following the death of the claimant; loss of earnings allowance may be granted to the person, in respect of any loss of salary or wages, or loss of earnings on his or her own account, suffered by reason of an investigation under section 17 of the claim for the period in respect of which the person suffered that loss. (5) Subject to subsection (6), where, in any year, a veteran who is an employee of another person: (a) was granted leave of absence on account of illness for a period in respect of which the veteran was absent from his or her employment for a reason referred to in paragraph (2)(a), (b), (c) or (d); (b) was, during a subsequent period of that year, absent from his or her employment by reason of: (i) any illness or disease; or (ii) undergoing treatment related to any illness or disease; other than a war-caused illness or a war-caused disease; and (c) has incurred loss of salary or wages as a result of absence from his or her employment referred to in paragraph (b) of this subsection; loss of earnings allowance may be granted to the veteran, in respect of that loss of salary or wages, for the period in respect of which the veteran suffered that loss. (6) Where, in a year, the period, or aggregate of the periods, for which loss of earnings allowance is payable to a veteran by virtue of subsection (5) has equalled: (a) the period, or aggregate of the periods, referred to in paragraph (5)(a) for which the veteran has been absent from his or her employment in that year; or (b) a period equal to the period credited, or notionally credited, in respect of the veteran for that year, under the terms and conditions of his or her employment, by way of sick leave credit (however described); whichever is the less, loss of earnings allowance is not payable to the veteran by virtue of subsection (5) in respect of any part of the remainder of that year. (7) Loss of earnings allowance is not payable to a person under this section in respect of any period in respect of which the person is paid pension under Part II at the rate specified in subsection 24(4). (8) The amount of loss of earnings allowance payable to a veteran by virtue of subsection (2) or (5) in respect of loss of salary or wages, or of earnings on his or her own account, (in this subsection referred to as the relevant loss of remuneration) suffered by the veteran in respect of a period (in this subsection referred to as the relevant period) is: (a) an amount equal to: (i) unless subparagraph (ii) or (iii) applies-the amount of pension that would be payable to the veteran in respect of the relevant period if the veteran were a veteran to whom section 24 applied and the veteran's pension were required to be calculated at the rate specified in subsection 24(4) (in this subsection that amount of pension is referred to as the maximum amount in respect of the relevant period); (ii) if the veteran is in receipt of a pension under Part II-the amount by which the maximum amount in respect of the relevant period exceeds the amount of pension under Part II that is payable to the veteran in respect of the relevant period; or (iii) if the veteran is not in receipt of a pension under Part II but would be in receipt of such a pension but for the provisions of section 26, 30C or 30D or is in receipt of a pension under Part II that has been reduced in accordance with the provisions of that section-the amount by which the maximum amount in respect of the relevant period exceeds the amount of pension under Part II that would be payable to the veteran in respect of the relevant period if section 26, 30C or 30D, as the case requires, were omitted from this Act; or (b) an amount equal to the amount that the veteran would have earned, or could reasonably be expected to have earned, from the occupation referred to in subsection (2) of this section or from the employment referred to in subsection (5) of this section, as the case may be, in respect of the relevant period by way of salary or wages or of earnings on his or her own account less an amount equal to the sum of: (i) the amount (if any) earned by the veteran from that occupation or employment, or from any other occupation or employment, in respect of the relevant period by way of salary or wages or earnings on his or her own account; (ii) the amount (if any) that the veteran receives, or is entitled to receive, in respect of the relevant period, by way of compensation for the relevant loss of remuneration, under a law of the Commonwealth, a State, a Territory or a country other than Australia that makes provision for the payment of compensation or other benefits to persons in respect of incapacities arising out of, or in the course of, employment or caused by, or arising out of, the use of motor vehicles; (iii) the amount (if any) that the veteran receives, or is entitled to receive, from his or her employer by way of gratuity or other payment in respect of the relevant loss of remuneration suffered by the veteran in respect of the relevant period; and (iv) the amount (if any) that the veteran receives, or is entitled to receive, in respect of the relevant loss of remuneration suffered by the veteran in respect of the relevant period, under a contract, arrangement or agreement (including a contract of insurance), whether or not the veteran is a party to the contract, arrangement or agreement, but not being an amount of a kind referred to in subparagraph (ii) or (iii); whichever is the lesser amount. (9) The amount of loss of earnings allowance payable to a person by virtue of subsection (3) in respect of a period is: (a) the amount that would be payable to the person in respect of the period in accordance with paragraph (8)(b) if the person were a veteran who was entitled to be paid that allowance by virtue of subsection (2); or (b) the amount that would be payable to the person in respect of the period by way of pension under Part II if the person were eligible to be paid a pension under that Part, section 24 applied to the person and section 26, 30C or 30D did not apply to the person; whichever is the lesser amount. (10) The amount of loss of earnings allowance payable to a person by virtue of subsection (4) in respect of a period is such amount as the Commission considers reasonable in all the circumstances but not exceeding the amount that the person would have earned, or could reasonably be expected to have earned, in the period by way of salary and wages, or earnings on his or her own account. (11) Loss of earnings allowance is not payable to a person under this section unless the person furnishes to the Commission such information (including certificates of medical practitioners or other persons) as is required by the regulations to be so furnished. (12) In this section: leave of absence on account of illness, in relation to a veteran who is an employee of another person, means leave of absence from the veteran's employment granted to the veteran without loss of earnings by reason of any illness or incapacity or treatment provided for an illness or incapacity. year, in relation to a veteran who is an employee of another person, means the period of 12 months that commenced on the date on which, under his or her terms and conditions of employment, the veteran was last credited, or last notionally credited, with a period by way of sick leave (however described). Note: If section 25A applies to a veteran, the rate at which loss of earnings allowance is payable to the veteran is reduced in accordance with that section. 109 Advances on account of loss of earnings allowance (1) Where the Commission is satisfied: (a) that a person may reasonably be expected to become entitled to be paid loss of earnings allowance under section 108 in respect of a period (in this section called the period of entitlement); and (b) that it is, in all the circumstances, appropriate for the person to be paid an advance on account of the loss of earnings allowance that the person is expected to become entitled to be paid in respect of a period (in this section called the period of advance), being the whole or a part of the period of entitlement; the Commission may authorize payment to the person of an advance accordingly in respect of the period of advance. (2) The amount paid to a person by way of advance under subsection (1) in respect of a period of advance, or the aggregate of the amounts so paid to a person in respect of the periods of advance included in a period of entitlement, as the case may be, shall not exceed the amount estimated by the Commission to be the amount of loss of earnings allowance likely to be payable to the person in respect of that period of advance or those periods of advance, as the case may be. (3) If the amount of the advance, or the sum of the amounts of advances, paid to a person in relation to a period of entitlement exceeds the amount of loss of earnings allowance that becomes payable to the person in respect of that period of entitlement, the person is liable to pay an amount equal to the excess to the Commonwealth. 110 Travelling expenses (1) Where a veteran, or a dependant of a deceased veteran, travels, with the approval of the Commission, for the purpose of: (a) obtaining treatment; (b) restoration of his or her health; or (c) being fitted with surgical aids or appliances or artificial replacements; the veteran, or the dependant, as the case may be, is, subject to this section and to such conditions as are prescribed, entitled to be paid such travelling expenses, in connection with that travel, as are prescribed. (2) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, where: (a) a veteran, or a dependant of a deceased veteran, travels, with the approval of the Commission, as described in subsection (1); and (b) the Commission authorizes a person to accompany the veteran or dependant as his or her attendant; the attendant is, subject to this section, entitled to be paid such travelling expenses, in connection with that travel, as are prescribed. (3) Travelling expenses are not payable under this section in respect of travel outside Australia. (4) Where the Commission is satisfied: (a) that a person may reasonably be expected to become entitled to be paid travelling expenses under this section; and (b) that it is in all the circumstances appropriate for the person to be paid an advance on account of the travelling expenses that the person is expected to become entitled to be paid; the Commission may authorize payment to the person of an advance on account of the travelling expenses that the person is expected to become entitled to be paid. (5) If the amount of the advance paid to a person on account of any travelling expenses in respect of any travel of the person exceeds the amount of travelling expenses that become payable to the person in respect of that travel, the person is liable to repay an amount equal to the excess to the Commonwealth. Division 3-Procedural 111 Application (1) Each of the following allowances, payments or benefits is a benefit to which this section applies, namely: (a) clothing allowance; (b) attendant allowance; (ba) bereavement payment under section 98AA; (c) funeral benefit under section 99 or 100; (d) Victoria Cross allowance; (e) recreation transport allowance; (f) temporary incapacity allowance; (g) loss of earnings allowance; (h) travelling expenses. (2) An application for a benefit to which this section applies: (a) shall be in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; (b) shall be accompanied by such certificates and other evidence (relevant to the applicant's entitlement to the benefit) as are required to be furnished by this Act, the regulations or the form of application; and (c) is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (3) An application for a benefit to which this section applies may be made: (a) by the person eligible to be granted the benefit; or (b) with the approval of that person or of the Commission under subsection (4), by another person on behalf of that person. (4) Where a person eligible to be granted a benefit to which this section applies is unable, by reason of physical or mental ailment, to approve a person to make an application for that benefit on his or her behalf, the Commission may approve a person to make the application on his or her behalf. (5) Where an application for a benefit to which this section applies is made by a person on behalf of another person, the other person on whose behalf the application is made, and not the person making the application on behalf of that other person, shall be treated as the applicant. (6) For the purposes of this Division, where: (a) a person makes an application in writing for an allowance or benefit to which this section applies, but otherwise than in accordance with a form approved for the purposes of subsection (2); and (b) the person subsequently makes an application for the allowance or benefit in accordance with a form so approved: (i) at a time when the person had not been notified by the Department, in writing, that it would be necessary to make the application in accordance with a form so approved; or (ii) within 3 months after the person had been so notified; the Commission may treat the application referred to in paragraph (b) as having been received at an office of the Department in Australia on the date on which the application referred to in paragraph (a) was so received. (7) An applicant for a benefit to which this section applies may, at any time before the application is determined by the Commission, by notice in writing forwarded to the Commission at an office of the Department in Australia, withdraw the application. (8) The withdrawal of an application for a benefit to which this section applies does not prevent the applicant from subsequently making another application for such a benefit. 112 Time for applying for certain benefits (1A) An application for bereavement payment under section 98AA in respect of a deceased veteran must be made within 12 months after the death of the veteran. (1) An application for temporary incapacity allowance in respect of a veteran's incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease shall be made within 12 months after the commencement of the period that is the relevant period applicable to the incapacity for the purposes of section 107. (2) An application for loss of earnings allowance for a period in respect of which a person has suffered a loss of salary or wages, or loss of earnings on his or her own account, as set out in subsection 108(2), (3), (4) or (5), shall be made within 12 months after the commencement of that period. (3) An application for travelling expenses in connection with travel referred to in subsection 110(1) or (2) must be made within: (a) 12 months after the completion of that travel; or (b) if the Commission thinks that there are exceptional circumstances that justify extending that period-such further period as the Commission allows. (4) An application made to the Commission for the grant of: (aa) bereavement payment under section 98AA; or (a) temporary incapacity allowance; or (b) loss of earnings allowance; or (c) travelling expenses; after the expiration of the period applicable to the application by virtue of subsection (1A), (1), (2) or (3), as the case requires, is of no force or effect. 113 Time for applying for funeral benefit (1) Subject to this section, application may be made to the Commission for the grant of a funeral benefit under section 99 or 100 in respect of the funeral of a person, being: (a) a deceased veteran; (b) a deceased dependant of a deceased veteran; within 12 months after the death of the person. (2) Where, after the death of a veteran, a decision is made under this Act: (a) determining that the death was war-caused; (b) granting a pension under Part II in respect of the veteran, as from a date before the death of the veteran: (i) at a rate that is worked out under subsection 22(4); or (ii) at a rate that is worked out under section 24; or (iii) at a rate that is worked out under section 27 because the veteran was suffering from incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease of a kind described in any of items 1 to 8 of the Table in subsection 27(1); or (c) increasing the rate of the pension granted to the veteran under Part II as from a date before the death of the veteran: (i) to a rate worked out under subsection 22(4) or section 24; or (ii) to a rate worked out under section 27 because the veteran was suffering from incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war- caused disease of a kind described in any of items 1 to 8 of the Table in subsection 27(1); application for the grant of a funeral benefit under section 99 in respect of the funeral of the veteran may be made to the Commission within the period of 12 months after the date on which that decision was made or within the period of 3 months after the date on which the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment Act 1987 received the Royal Assent, whichever last expires. (3) Where, after the death of a veteran, the Commission gives an approval of a kind referred to in subsection 99(3) in relation to the veteran, application may be made to the Commission for the grant of a funeral benefit under section 99 in respect of the funeral of the veteran within 12 months after the date on which that approval was given. (5) Application made to the Commission for the grant of a funeral benefit under section 99 or 100 in respect of the funeral of a person after the expiration of the period specified in subsection (1), (2) or (3) of this section, whichever is applicable, is of no force or effect. 114 Commencement of payment of certain allowances (1) Subsection (2) applies to: (a) clothing allowance; (b) attendant allowance; and (c) recreation transport allowance. (2) An allowance to which this subsection applies payable to a veteran by reason that the veteran is suffering incapacity from a war-caused injury or a war-caused disease is payable: (a) if application for the allowance is made within 3 months after the date on which the determination was made under this Act determining that the injury was a war-caused injury or the disease was a war-caused disease, as the case may be-as from the date on which that determination was made; or (b) in any other case-as from the date on which the veteran's application for the allowance in respect of that war-caused injury or war-caused disease is received at an office of the Department in Australia. 115 Review of decision etc. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Commission in respect of an application for: (a) clothing allowance; or (aa) bereavement payment under section 98AA; or (b) funeral benefits under section 99 or 100; or (c) decoration allowance; or (d) Victoria Cross allowance; or (e) recreation transport allowance; or (f) temporary incapacity allowance; or (g) loss of earnings allowance; may request the Commission, in writing, to review the decision, and, where such a request is duly made, the Commission shall review the decision, or cause the decision to be reviewed by a person to whom the Commission has delegated its powers under this section (not being the person who made the decision). (1A) A request under subsection (1) must be lodged with the Commission at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (2) A request under subsection (1) to review a decision of the Commission shall set out particulars of the grounds on which the request is made, and may be made within 3 months after service on the person to whom the decision relates of notice of the decision, but not otherwise. (3) Where the Commission reviews a decision under subsection (1), the Commission may affirm or set aside the decision and, if it sets aside the decision, it shall make such other decision as it considers to be in accordance with this Act. (4) Where the Commission makes a decision, in substitution for the decision set aside, granting an application for an allowance specified in subsection (1), it may approve payment of the allowance as from a date not earlier than the date as from which the Commission could have approved payment of the allowance if it had made the substituted decision in place of the original decision. (5) Sections 57D, 57E and 57F apply to a review under this section in like manner as they apply to a review under Division 16 of Part IIIB and, for the purpose of their application to a review under this section: (a) references in sections 57D, 57E and 57F to Division 16 of Part IIIB shall be read as references to this section; and (b) references in section 57F to a review shall be read as references to a review under subsection (1) of this section. (6) A reference in subsection (1) to a decision in respect of an application for funeral benefits under section 99 shall be read as not including a reference to a decision of the Commission to grant, or refuse to grant, an approval of a kind referred to in paragraph 99(3)(a) or (b). Part VIA-Rehabilitation Division 1-Preliminary 115A Definitions In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears: CPI indexation day means: (a) for the purposes of section 115D-the day that begins each relevant period within the meaning of that term in section 198; and (b) for the purposes of section 115G-a day that is an indexation day for the maximum basic rate under subsection 59B(1). member of a Peacekeeping Force has the same meaning as in subsection 68(1). member of the Forces has the same meaning as in subsection 68(1). unaffected pension rate means the rate of pension that a veteran would have received if the veteran had not undertaken a vocational rehabilitation program under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme. unemployment includes: (a) retirement from remunerative work; and (b) undertaking less than 16 hours of remunerative work in a pension period; but does not include any period of paid leave. veteran means: (a) a person: (i) who is, because of section 7, taken to have rendered eligible war service; or (ii) in respect of whom a pension is payable under subsection 13(6); or (iii) who satisfies subsection 37(3); or (b) a member of the Forces; or (c) a member of a Peacekeeping Force. Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme means a scheme made under subsection 115B(1). work and pension income rate means the rate equal to the sum of: (a) the veteran's salary, wages or earnings per fortnight from remunerative work; and (b) the fortnightly rate of pension paid to the veteran under Part II or IV. 115B Making of the Scheme (1) The Commission may, from time to time, by instrument in writing, make a scheme, to be called the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme, to assist specified classes of veterans who render service before the MRCA commencement date to find employment and to continue in employment. Note: A rehabilitation program that is being provided to a veteran under the scheme might cease if the veteran is also provided with rehabilitation under the MRCA (see section 18 of the CTPA). (2) The Commission may, from time to time, by instrument in writing, vary or revoke the scheme. (3) A scheme made by the Commission under subsection (1), and an instrument varying or revoking such a scheme, have no force or effect unless approved by the Minister. (4) A scheme made by the Commission, or an instrument varying or revoking such a scheme, that has been approved by the Minister under subsection (3) is a legislative instrument made by the Minister on the day on which he or she approves it. (5) Without limiting the powers of the Commission under subsection (1), the Scheme may make provision for and in relation to: (a) the provision of rehabilitation programs, under the Scheme, to specified veterans; and (b) the provision of vocational guidance and assistance, under the Scheme, to specified veterans; and (c) the payment of financial assistance, under the Scheme, to specified veterans in respect of education or training that is being undertaken under the Scheme by the veterans; and (d) the provision of services in relation to the assessment of veterans for participation in rehabilitation programs; and (e) the payment of financial assistance, under the Scheme, to specified veterans in respect of transport costs arising from the veterans' participation in the Scheme; and (f) the payment of financial assistance, under the Scheme, to specified veterans in respect of aids that enable the veterans to participate in, or assist veterans to participate in, the Scheme; and (g) the provision for review of determinations under section 115F. (6) Before making a scheme, or varying or revoking the scheme, the Commission must consult such organisations and associations, representing the interests of the veteran community, as the Commission thinks appropriate. Division 2-Provisions relating to the income of veterans who participate in vocational rehabilitation programs 115C Rate of pension while on program (1) Subject to sections 115D and 115G, this section applies while a veteran is undertaking a vocational rehabilitation program under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme. (2) If this section applies to a veteran, the rate of pension payable to the veteran is equal to the amount the veteran would receive if the veteran were not undertaking the program. 115D Reduced daily pension amount-pensions under Parts II and IV Application and overview of this section (1) This section applies to a veteran who is engaged in remunerative work of more than 8 hours per week as a result of undertaking a vocational rehabilitation program under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The section sets out how to work out the veteran's reduced daily pension amount. This amount is used to work out the rate of pension payable under sections 23 and 24. Note: This section does not apply to certain veterans (see subsections (5) and (6)). Reduced daily pension amount during the initial period (2) A veteran's reduced daily pension amount for a pension period that occurs within the initial period is worked out using the following formula: [pic] Note 1: Expressions used in this subsection are defined in subsection (7). Note 2: The Commission can increase a reduced daily pension amount under section 115F. Reduced daily pension amount during the second period (3) A veteran's reduced daily pension amount for a pension period that occurs within the second period is worked out using the following formula: [pic] Note 1: Expressions used in this subsection are defined in subsection (7). Note 2: The Commission can increase a reduced daily pension amount under section 115F. Reduced daily pension amount 5 years after the initial period (4) A veteran's reduced daily pension amount for a pension period that occurs more than 5 years after the end of the initial period is nil. Note: The Commission can increase a reduced daily pension amount under section 115F. Veteran who is unemployed for at least 2 weeks (5) This section does not apply to a veteran who is unemployed for a continuous period of at least 2 weeks in respect of the pension periods within that 2 week period. Veteran who is blinded in both eyes (6) This section does not apply to a veteran for a pension period if the veteran is receiving a pension for the period at the special rate because of subsection 24(3). Definitions (7) In this section: CPI amount means the amount worked out using the following formula: [pic] daily above general rate for a veteran means the rate worked out using the following formula: [pic] initial period for a veteran means the period: (a) that begins on the day after the day the veteran first commenced remunerative work as a result of undertaking a vocational rehabilitation program; and (b) that ends immediately before the first CPI indexation day that occurs more than 2 years after that day. pension rate on commencement for a veteran means the rate of pension under this Act that was payable to the veteran on the day on which the veteran commenced his or her vocational rehabilitation program. second period means the period: (a) that begins immediately after the initial period; and (b) runs for 5 years. taper amount for a veteran means: (a) if the veteran's average weekly hours are 40 hours or more-nil; and (b) otherwise-the amount worked out using the following formula: [pic] 115E Application for increase in reduced daily pension amount (1) This section applies if, because of the application of section 115D in respect of the rate of pension payable to a veteran, the work and pension income rate of the veteran in relation to a pension period is or would be less than the unaffected pension rate for the veteran in relation to that period. (2) A veteran to whom this section applies may apply to the Commission to have the reduced daily pension amount under section 115D increased. (3) An application must be: (a) in writing; and (b) in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; and (c) accompanied by any relevant documentary evidence in relation to salary, wages and other earnings from remunerative work for the period to which the application relates; and (d) lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (4) An application lodged in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. 115F Determination by the Commission (1) This section applies if, after considering an application under section 115E, the Commission is satisfied that the rate at which a pension has been, is being or is to be paid, to a veteran resulted, or would result, in a work and pension income rate for the applicant in relation to a pension period that is less or would be less than the unaffected pension rate in relation to that period. (2) If this section applies, the Commission may increase in writing the veteran's reduced daily pension amount under section 115D, for a past, present or future pension period, to the amount that the Commission is satisfied results in the work and pension income rate being equal to the unaffected pension rate. (3) A determination takes effect on the day on which the determination is made. 115G Excluded income amount-invalidity service pensions (1) The excluded income amount in respect of a veteran for a pension period that occurs within the period (the initial period) that begins on the day after the veteran first commenced remunerative work as a result of undertaking the vocational rehabilitation program and ends immediately before the first CPI indexation day that is more than 2 years after the beginning of the initial period is half of the earnings of the veteran in each pension period. (2) The excluded income reduction amount in respect of a veteran for each pension period that occurs within each consecutive 6 month period during the 5 years that begins immediately after the initial period is worked out using the following formula: [pic] where: no. of 6 month periods means the number of consecutive 6 month periods that have begun in the 5 year period. earnings means salary, wages or earnings from remunerative work in each pension period. (3) This section has effect only for the purposes of working out the amount of a veteran's invalidity service pension. Division 3-Recovery of cost of rehabilitation 115H Recovery of cost of rehabilitation (1) In this section, compensation, in relation to a person who is undertaking, or has undertaken, a rehabilitation program under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme, means an amount that is by way of compensation or damages, or is, in the opinion of the Commission, in the nature of compensation or damages, in respect of the disease, disability or condition because of which the rehabilitation program is being, or has been, undertaken. (2) This section applies if a veteran who is undertaking, or has undertaken, a rehabilitation program under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme: (a) has made a claim against another person for compensation, or may be, or may become, entitled to be paid compensation by another person, in relation to the disease, disability or condition because of which the rehabilitation program is being, or has been, undertaken; or (b) is entitled, whether because of an order of a court, a settlement of a claim for compensation or otherwise, to be paid compensation by another person; or (c) has been paid compensation by another person, whether because of an order of a court, a settlement of a claim for compensation or otherwise. (3) A reference in subsection (2) to another person includes a reference to the Commonwealth, a State, a Territory or an authority of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory. (4) If this section applies, the Commission may give to the veteran a written notice requiring the veteran to pay for: (a) a rehabilitation program or any part of such a program that has been undertaken by the veteran under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme before the day on which the notice was given to the veteran; and (b) a rehabilitation program or any part of such a program undertaken at any time on or after the day on which the notice was given to the veteran; in relation to the disease, disability or condition. (5) On being given the notice, the veteran becomes, by force of this section, liable to pay to the Commonwealth an amount equal to the cost, or amounts equal to the sum of the costs, as determined by the Commission, of and incidental to: (a) a rehabilitation program or any part of such a program that has been undertaken by the veteran under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme before the day on which the notice was given to the veteran; and (b) a rehabilitation program or any part of such a program undertaken at any time on or after the day on which the notice was given to the veteran. (6) If the veteran is, under subsection (5), liable to make payment to the Commonwealth for a rehabilitation program provided by the Commission, the Commission may, by written notice given to a person who: (a) may be, or may become, liable; or (b) is liable; to pay compensation to, or for the benefit of, the veteran in respect of the disease, disability or condition, inform the person that the veteran is liable to make payment to the Commonwealth for a rehabilitation program under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme, whether undertaken before or after the giving of the notice. (7) A reference in subsection (6) to a person includes a reference to an insurer who, under a contract of insurance, is liable to indemnify the person or is liable to pay compensation to, or for the benefit of, the veteran against that liability. 115J Where a person receives a notice under subsection 115H(6) (1) This section applies to a person if the person has been given a notice under subsection 115H(6). (2) If the person: (a) is, on being given the notice, liable to pay compensation to, or for the benefit of, the veteran to whom the notice relates in respect of the disease, disability or condition to which the notice relates; or (b) becomes, after receiving the notice, so liable to pay compensation; or the person becomes liable, because of this subsection, to pay to the Commonwealth: (c) an amount equal to the cost of the rehabilitation program that the veteran is liable, or may become liable, under subsection 115H(5), to pay; or (d) an amount equal to the amount of compensation that the person is liable, or becomes liable, so to pay; whichever is the less. (3) If, before the notice was given to the person, the person paid to, or for the benefit of, the veteran the whole of the compensation that the person was liable to pay in respect of the disease, disability or condition to which the notice relates, the notice has no effect. (4) If a person is liable, or becomes liable, to pay an amount to the Commonwealth under subsection (2), the person must not, without the permission of the Commission, pay the compensation, or any part of the compensation, to, or for the benefit of, the veteran. (5) Payment to the Commonwealth of an amount under subsection (2) operates, to the extent of the payment: (a) as a discharge to the person of his or her liability to pay compensation to the veteran entitled to receive the compensation; and (b) as a discharge of the veteran's liability under subsection 115H(5). 115K Recovery of amount by the Commonwealth The Commonwealth may recover in a court of competent jurisdiction an amount that a person is liable to pay to the Commonwealth under subsection 115H(5) or 115J(2). 115L Determination of amount of costs of rehabilitation programs (1) This section applies if the Commission determines, in writing, the amount of the cost of, or incidental to, a rehabilitation program under a Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme for a veteran during a specified period in respect of a disease, disability or condition in relation to which a notice has been given under subsection 115H(4). (2) The Commission may give a notice to the veteran containing a copy of that determination, or notices to the veteran and the person referred to in subsection 115H(6) containing copies of that determination. (3) If the Commission gives a copy of a determination to a veteran or a person under subsection (2), the copy is, for all purposes, prima facie evidence: (a) that the copy of the determination set out in the notice is a true copy of the determination of which it purports to be a copy; and (b) that the determination was duly made by the Commission; and (c) that the amount specified in the determination is the amount which the veteran is liable, by force of subsection 115H(5), to pay to the Commonwealth as the cost of and incidental to the rehabilitation program under the Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme during the period so specified for and in relation to that disease, disability or condition. (4) The giving of a notice, or notices, under subsection (2) does not prevent the making of a further determination or determinations, and the giving by the Commission of a further notice or further notices under that subsection. Part VII-Veterans' Children Education Scheme 116 Interpretation (1) In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears: eligible child means: (a) an eligible child of a member of the Forces, or of a member of a Peacekeeping Force; or (b) an eligible child of a veteran. eligible child of a member of the Forces, or of a member of a Peacekeeping Force means: (a) a child of a deceased member of the Forces, or of a deceased member of a Peacekeeping Force, being a member: (i) whose death was defence-caused; or (ii) who was, immediately before his or her death, a member to whom subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied; or (iii) who was, immediately before his or her death, in receipt of a pension under Part IV in respect of incapacity of a kind described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection 27(1); or (b) a child of a member of the Forces, or of a member of a Peacekeeping Force, being a member: (i) to whom subsection 22(4) or section 24 applies; or (ii) who is in receipt of a pension under Part IV in respect of incapacity of a kind described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection 27(1). eligible child of a veteran means: (a) a child of a deceased veteran, being a veteran: (i) whose death was war-caused; or (ii) who was, immediately before his or her death, a veteran to whom subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied; or (iii) who was, immediately before his or her death, in receipt of a pension under Part II in respect of incapacity of a kind described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection 27(1); or (iv) who was a prisoner of war at a time when the veteran was on operational service; or (b) a child of a veteran, being a veteran: (i) to whom subsection 22(4) or section 24 applies; or (ii) who is in receipt of a pension under Part II in respect of incapacity of a kind described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection 27(1); or (d) a child of a deceased veteran, being a child who is in receipt of, or is eligible to be granted, a pension under subsection 13(4); or (e) a person determined under subsection 116C(2) to be included in a class that has been determined by the Commission under subsection 116A(1) for the purposes of this paragraph. member of the Forces and member of a Peacekeeping Force have the same respective meanings as they have in Part IV. Scheme means: (a) the Veterans' Children Education Scheme prepared by the Commission in pursuance of this Part and approved by the Minister, other than such a scheme that has been revoked; or (b) if that Scheme has been varied and the variation has been approved by the Minister, that Scheme as so varied. (2) If, after the death of a member of the Forces, or of a member of a Peacekeeping Force, a pension is granted in respect of the member under Part IV, or the rate of the pension granted to the member under Part IV is increased, as from a date before the death of the member in circumstances where: (a) subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied to the member; or (b) the member was suffering from an incapacity of a kind described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection 27(1); then, the member is taken, for the purposes of the definition of eligible child of a member of the Forces, or of a member of a Peacekeeping Force in subsection (1), to have been: (c) if paragraph (a) applies-a member to whom subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied immediately before his or her death; or (d) if paragraph (b) applies-in receipt of that pension or of pension at that increased rate, as the case may be, immediately before his or her death. (3) If, after the death of a veteran, a pension is granted in respect of the veteran under Part II, or the rate of the pension granted to the veteran under Part II is increased, as from a date before the death of the veteran in circumstances where: (a) subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied to the veteran; or (b) the veteran was suffering from an incapacity of a kind described in item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the table in subsection 27(1); then, the veteran is taken, for the purposes of the definition of eligible child of a veteran in subsection (1), to have been: (c) if paragraph (a) applies-a veteran to whom subsection 22(4) or section 24 applied immediately before his or her death; or (d) if paragraph (b) applies-in receipt of that pension or of pension at that increased rate, as the case may be, immediately before his or her death. (4) Where: (a) before an eligible child attains the age of 25 years, approval is given under the Veterans' Children Education Scheme for the child to undertake a course of education or training; (b) the child attains the age of 25 years before completing that course; and (c) the child continues, after attaining the age of 25 years, to undertake that course for the purpose of completing it; this Part applies to and in relation to the continued undertaking of that course by the child after he or she attained the age of 25 years as if he or she were under the age of 25 years. 116A Determination of class of persons for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of eligible child in subsection 116(1) (1) The Commission may, by legislative instrument, determine a class of persons for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of eligible child of a veteran in subsection 116(1). However, the persons must be the children of veterans who render service before the MRCA commencement date. Variation or revocation (2) The Commission may, by legislative instrument, vary or revoke a determination under subsection (1). 116B Person may apply for determination under subsection 116C(2) (1) An application for a determination under subsection 116C(2) to be made in respect of a person who is, or was, the child of a veteran may be made, in writing, to the Commission: (a) in the case of a person (the child) who is, or was, the child of a veteran and who is over the age of 18 years: (i) by the child; or (ii) with the approval of the child, by another person on behalf of the child; or (iii) if the child is unable, by reason of physical or mental incapacity, to approve a person to make the claim or application on his or her behalf-by another person, being a person approved by the Commission, on behalf of the child; or (b) in the case of a person who is, or was, the child of a veteran and who is under the age of 18 years: (i) by a parent or guardian of the child; or (ii) by another person approved by a parent or guardian of the child; or (iii) if there is no parent or guardian of the child alive, or willing and able to make, or approve a person to make, such an application on behalf of the child-by another person, being a person approved by the Commission; on behalf of the child. (2) An application under subsection (1) is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. 116C Commission may determine that a person is a member of a class determined under section 116A (1) If an application has been made under section 116B in respect of a person, the Commission must decide whether the person the subject of the application falls within a class of persons determined by the Commission under subsection 116A(1). (2) If the Commission decides that the person falls within a class of persons determined by the Commission under subsection 116A(1), the Commission must determine, in writing, that the person is included in the specified class. (3) The Commission must give the person written notice of the Commission's decision under subsection (1). 116D Review of Commission's decision under subsection 116C(1) (1) A person who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Commission under subsection 116C(1) may, in writing, request the Commission to review the decision. (1A) A request under subsection (1) is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (2) If a written request is made, the Commission must review the decision, or cause the decision to be reviewed by a person to whom the Commission has delegated its powers under this section (not being the person who made the decision). (3) When the Commission reviews a decision under subsection (2), it must make a written record of its decision (the review decision) upon review. (4) The written record must include a statement that: (a) sets out the Commission's findings on material questions of fact; and (b) refers to the evidence or other material on which those findings are based; and (c) provides reasons for the review decision. (5) If the review decision affirms or sets aside a decision under subsection 116C(1), it must give the person who requested the review of the decision: (a) a copy of the Commission's review decision; and (b) subject to subsection (6), a copy of the statement about the review decision; and (c) a statement that the person has a right to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the review decision. (6) If the statement referred to in paragraph (5)(b) contains any matter that, in the opinion of the Commission: (a) is of a confidential nature; or (b) might, if communicated to the person who requested review, be prejudicial to his or her physical or mental health or well- being; the copy given to the person is not to contain that matter. 117 Preparation of the Scheme (1) The Commission may, from time to time, by instrument in writing, prepare a scheme, to be called the Veterans' Children Education Scheme, for providing education and training for eligible children. (2) The Commission may, from time to time, by instrument in writing, vary or revoke the scheme. (3) A scheme prepared by the Commission in pursuance of subsection (1), and an instrument varying or revoking such a scheme, have no force or effect unless approved by the Minister. (4) Where a scheme prepared by the Commission in accordance with subsection (1), or an instrument under subsection (2), has been approved by the Minister, the Commission shall furnish copies of the scheme or instrument to the Minister, and the Minister shall cause copies to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister received those copies. (5) Without limiting the powers of the Commission under subsection (1), the Scheme may make provision for and in relation to: (a) the provision of free scholarships at schools, colleges and universities for allocation, under the Scheme, to eligible children; and (b) the payment of maintenance allowances in respect of eligible children for whom education or training is being provided under the Scheme; and (c) the making of applications for the provision of education or training for eligible children; and (d) the investigation and determination of applications referred to in paragraph (c); and (e) the establishment, membership and operation of Education Boards to perform such functions, and exercise such powers, in, and in connection with, the operation of the Scheme as are conferred on them by or under the Scheme; and (f) guidance and counselling services. 118 Commission may provide benefits under Scheme (1) The Commission may provide benefits for, and in respect of, eligible children under and in accordance with the Scheme. (2) The Commission may provide guidance and counselling services under the scheme for such other people as the Minister, by legislative instrument, determines. Part VIIAA-Education entry payment 118AA Eligibility A person is eligible for an education entry payment under this section if: (a) the person is receiving: (i) a partner service pension; or (ia) invalidity service pension; or (iii) income support supplement; and (b) the person has not reached pension age; and (c) the person is qualified, or if he or she were not in receipt of financial supplement under the Student Financial Supplement Scheme constituted by Part 4A of the Student Assistance Act 1973 or established under Chapter 2B of the Social Security Act 1991 would be qualified, to receive pensioner education supplement under the Social Security Act or the Student Assistance Act 1973; and (d) either: (i) the Commission is satisfied that the person intends to enrol in a full-time or part-time course of education that is the subject of a determination made under section 5D of the Student Assistance Act 1973 by the Minister administering that Act; or (ii) the person is enrolled in such a course; and (e) the person has not received a payment under this Part for which he or she made a claim in the current calendar year. 118AAB Need for a claim (1) A person who wants to be granted an education entry payment must make a claim for the payment: (a) in writing; and (b) in a form approved by the Commission. (1A) A claim under subsection (1) is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (2) A claim may be withdrawn at any time before it is determined, either orally or by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (2A) A withdrawal by document lodged in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (3) A claim that is withdrawn is taken not to have been made. 118AAC Entitlement to and amount of payment (1) An education entry payment is payable to the person if, after considering the claim, the Commission determines that the claim is to be granted. (2) The amount of an education entry payment is $208. 118AAD Payment to be refunded If: (a) the Commission determined that a claim for education entry payment was to be granted to a person because the Commission was satisfied that the person intended to enrol in a course referred to in subparagraph 118AA(d)(i); and (b) an amount of education entry payment was paid to the person; and (c) subsequently the person is not enrolled in the course; the person must repay to the Commonwealth the amount of the payment. Part VIIA-Pharmaceutical allowance and advance pharmaceutical allowance Division 1-Pharmaceutical allowance Subdivision A-Eligibility for and payability of pharmaceutical allowance 118A Eligibility for pharmaceutical allowance (1) Subject to subsections (2), (2A) and (3), a person is eligible for a pharmaceutical allowance if: (a) the person is receiving: (i) a service pension; or (ia) an income support supplement; or (ii) a pension whose rate is specified under subsection 30(1) or (2); or (b) but for subsection 13(7), a pension would have been payable to the person at a rate specified under subsection 30(2); or (c) the person is eligible for pharmaceutical benefits under the scheme known as the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Note: a person may be eligible for pharmaceutical allowance under either or both Part III or this Part. Only one amount of pharmaceutical allowance is payable to the person: see subsection 118B(1A). (2) A person who leaves Australia otherwise than temporarily is not eligible for a pharmaceutical allowance after the day on which he or she left Australia. (2A) A person who is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so absent for more than 26 weeks is not eligible for a pharmaceutical allowance after the first 26 weeks of the absence. (3) The person again becomes eligible to receive the pharmaceutical allowance on: (a) the day on which the person returns to Australia; or (b) the day on which the person, either orally, or by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T, notifies the Department of his or her return to Australia; whichever is the later. 118B Pharmaceutical allowance not payable in some circumstances (1) Even though a person is eligible for a pharmaceutical allowance, the allowance is not payable to the person on a pension payday if: (a) the person has received an advance pharmaceutical allowance: (i) under Division 2 of this Part; or (ii) under Part 2.23 of the Social Security Act; and (b) the person's advance payment period has not ended. (1A) Even though a person is eligible for a pharmaceutical allowance under this Part, the allowance is not payable to the person under this Part if the person is receiving a service pension under Part III, or an income support supplement under Part IIIA, that includes an amount of pharmaceutical allowance. (2) Even though a person is eligible for a pharmaceutical allowance, the allowance is not payable to the person if the person is receiving pharmaceutical allowance under the Social Security Act. (3) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person's advance payment period: (a) starts on the day on which the advance pharmaceutical allowance is paid to the person; and (b) ends after the number of paydays worked out using the following formula have passed: [pic] where: amount of advance is the amount of the advance paid to the person. pharmaceutical allowance rate is the rate at which pharmaceutical allowance would be payable to the person on the day on which the advance is paid if the person were paid pharmaceutical allowance on that day. (4) In subsection (3): advance pharmaceutical allowance includes an advance pharmaceutical allowance under Part 2.23 of the Social Security Act. pharmaceutical allowance includes pharmaceutical allowance under Part 2.22 of the Social Security Act. Subdivision B-Rate of pharmaceutical allowance 118C Rate of pharmaceutical allowance The rate of pharmaceutical allowance under this Part is $5.20 per fortnight. Note: the amount specified in this section is adjusted annually in line with CPI increases under section 59L. 118D No pharmaceutical allowance if annual limit reached (1) Pharmaceutical allowance is not payable to a person if: (a) the person has received an advance pharmaceutical allowance during the current calendar year; and (b) the total amount paid to the person for that year by way of: (i) pharmaceutical allowance; and (ii) advance pharmaceutical allowance; equals the total amount of pharmaceutical allowance that would have been paid to the person during that year if the person had not received any advance pharmaceutical allowance. Note: the annual limit is affected by: 1. how long during the calendar year the person was on service pension or social security pension or benefit; 2. the rate of pharmaceutical allowance the person attracts at various times depending on the person's family situation. (2) In this section: advance pharmaceutical allowance includes advance pharmaceutical allowance under the Social Security Act. pharmaceutical allowance includes pharmaceutical allowance under the Social Security Act. Subdivision C-Payment of pharmaceutical allowance 118E Payment of pharmaceutical allowance (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person's pharmaceutical allowance is payable on each pension payday on which the person is eligible for the allowance. (2) If: (a) a person became eligible for pharmaceutical allowance under paragraph 118A(1)(c) on 26 December 1991; and (b) the person was not eligible for pharmaceutical allowance on that day under paragraph 118A(1)(a) or (b) or under Part 2.22 of the Social Security Act; and (c) the Department does not, immediately before 1 July 1992, have the information needed to enable the Commission to make a payment of pharmaceutical allowance to the person; pharmaceutical allowance is not payable to the person before the first payday on which the Department has that information. Division 2-Advance pharmaceutical allowance Subdivision A-Eligibility for and payability of advance pharmaceutical allowance 118F Eligibility for advance pharmaceutical allowance (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person to whom section 118A applies is eligible for an advance pharmaceutical allowance. (2) A person is not eligible for an advance pharmaceutical allowance if: (a) the person is receiving a service pension; and (b) the only reason why section 118A applies to the person is that the person is receiving that pension; and (c) the Commission is satisfied that the person's ordinary income exceeds $20.00 per fortnight. Note: For ordinary income see subsection 5H(1). (3) If the person is a member of a couple, the amount of the person's ordinary income for the purposes of this section is worked out by adding the couple's ordinary incomes (on a fortnightly basis) and dividing by 2. Note: For member of a couple see subsections 5E(1), (2), (3) and (4). Subdivision B-Claim for advance pharmaceutical allowance 118G Need for a claim (1) A person who wants to be granted an advance pharmaceutical allowance must make a proper claim for that allowance. (2) Subject to subsections 118K(4) and (5), if: (a) a claim for an advance pharmaceutical allowance is made by or on behalf of a person; and (b) at the time when the claim is made, the claim cannot be granted because the person is not eligible for the payment; the claim is taken not to have been made. 118H Who can claim? (1) Subject to subsection (2), the claim must be made by: (a) the person who wants to be granted the advance pharmaceutical allowance; or (b) with the approval of that person-another person on that person's behalf. (2) If the person is unable, because of physical or mental incapacity, to approve another person to make the claim on his or her behalf, the Commission may approve another person to make the claim. 118I Making a claim (1) To be a proper claim, a claim must: (a) be in writing; and (b) be in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; and (c) be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with the requirements of section 5T. (2) A claim lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. 118K Proper claim (1) A claim must be a proper claim under subsection (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) to be a proper claim for the purposes of this Division. (2) A claim by a person for an advance pharmaceutical allowance to be paid in a calendar year (current year) is a proper claim if: (a) a pension of the kind referred to in paragraph 118A(a) or (b) was payable to the person on the last pension payday in the previous calendar year; and (b) the claim is lodged before the first pension payday in the current year. (3) A claim by a person for an advance pharmaceutical allowance to be paid in a calendar year (current year) is a proper claim if: (a) the person was eligible for pharmaceutical benefits of the kind referred to in paragraph 118A(c) on the last pension payday in the previous calendar year; and (b) the claim is lodged before the first pension payday in the current year. (4) A claim by a person for an advance pharmaceutical allowance to be paid in a calendar year is a proper claim if: (a) the person claims a pension of the kind referred to in paragraph 118A(a) or (b); and (b) the person's claim for the pension is determined in that year; and (c) the claim for the advance pharmaceutical allowance is lodged: (i) at the time when the claim for the pension is lodged; or (ii) before the claim for the pension is determined. (5) A claim by a person for an advance pharmaceutical allowance to be paid in a calendar year is a proper claim if: (a) the claim is based on the person's eligibility for pharmaceutical benefits of the kind referred in paragraph 118A(c); and (b) the claim is lodged before the person's eligibility for those benefits is determined; and (c) the person's eligibility for those benefits is determined in that year. (6) A claim by a person for an advance pharmaceutical allowance to be paid in a calendar year is a proper claim if: (a) the person has been eligible for pharmaceutical allowance for a period (eligibility period) during the calendar year; and (b) the amount spent by the person during the eligibility period on the purchase of pharmaceutical benefits is equal to or greater than the total amount that has been paid to the person in the calendar year by way of: (i) pharmaceutical allowance; and (ii) advance pharmaceutical allowance. (7) In subsection (6): pharmaceutical benefit means: (a) a pharmaceutical benefit within the meaning of section 91; or (b) a drug or medicinal preparation: (i) in relation to which Part VII of the National Health Act 1953 applies because of section 85 of that Act; or (ii) that is a special pharmaceutical product (as defined in that Part). Subdivision C-Amount of advance pharmaceutical allowance 118L Amount of advance pharmaceutical allowance Subject to section 118M, the amount of a person's advance pharmaceutical allowance is: [pic] where: pharmaceutical allowance rate is the yearly amount of pharmaceutical allowance that would be added to the person's maximum basic rate if the person were receiving service pension and a pharmaceutical allowance advance were not being paid to the person. Note: Pharmaceutical allowance rates are to be found at: (a) point SCH6-D7 of the Rate Calculator; and (b) section 118C. 118M Annual limit (1) The amount paid to a person in a calendar year by way of: (a) pharmaceutical allowance; and (b) advance pharmaceutical allowance; is not to exceed the total amount of pharmaceutical allowance that would have been paid to the person during that year if the person had not received any advance pharmaceutical allowance. (2) In this section: advance pharmaceutical allowance includes advance pharmaceutical allowance under the Social Security Act. pharmaceutical allowance includes pharmaceutical allowance under the Social Security Act. Part VIIAB-Defence Force Income Support Allowance and related payments Division 1-Introduction 118N Simplified outline The following is a simplified outline of this Part: This Part is about payment of: (a) Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA); and (b) DFISA bonus; and (ba) DFISA bonus bereavement payment; and (c) DFISA-like payments under regulations made under this Part. DFISA-see Division 2 DFISA is payable to a person if the rate of the person's social security pension or benefit has been reduced (including to nil) because the person, or the person's partner, has been paid adjusted disability pension (within the meaning of this Part). Payment of DFISA is automatic: a person does not need to make a claim for it. DFISA bonus-see Division 3 DFISA bonus is payable to a person if the amount of the person's social security pension bonus has been reduced (including to nil) because the person, or the person's partner, has been paid adjusted disability pension (within the meaning of this Part). Payment of DFISA bonus is also automatic. If DFISA bonus would have been payable to a person who dies before claiming the person's social security pension bonus, a DFISA bonus bereavement payment may be payable to the person's partner (see Subdivision C of Division 3). Payment of DFISA bonus bereavement payment is also automatic. DFISA-like payments-see Division 4 Regulations made under this Part may provide for DFISA-like payments to be paid to a person if adjusted disability pension (within the meaning of this Part) payable to the person, or the person's partner, reduces the amount of a payment payable to the person under a Commonwealth Act, regulations or an instrument made under such an Act, or a Commonwealth administered program. 118NA Definitions In this Part: adjusted disability pension means: (a) a pension under Part II or IV (other than a pension that is payable under section 30 to a dependant of a deceased veteran); or (b) temporary incapacity allowance under Part VI; or (c) a pension payable because of subsection 4(6) or (8B) of the Veterans' Entitlements (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1986 (other than a pension payable in respect of a child); or (d) a payment (either as a weekly amount or a lump sum) under section 68, 71, 75 or 80 of the MRCA (permanent impairment); or (e) a payment of a Special Rate Disability Pension under Part 6 of Chapter 4 of the MRCA. amount includes a nil amount. excluded amount means an amount that is not income for the purposes of the Social Security Act because of subsection 8(8) of that Act. partner has the same meaning as in subsection 4(1) of the Social Security Act. rate includes a nil rate. social security age pension means age pension under Part 2.2 of the Social Security Act. social security pension bonus means pension bonus under Part 2.2A of the Social Security Act. social security pension bonus bereavement payment means pension bonus bereavement payment under Division 12 of Part 2.2A of the Social Security Act. Division 2-Defence Force Income Support Allowance Subdivision A-Payment of Defence Force Income Support Allowance 118NB Payment of Defence Force Income Support Allowance (1) Defence Force Income Support Allowance (DFISA) is payable to a person each day on or after 20 September 2004 if: (a) adjusted disability pension is payable to the person, or the person's partner, on that day; and (b) social security pension or social security benefit (the primary payment) is payable to the person on that day; and (c) the adjusted disability pension reduces (including to nil) the rate of the primary payment on that day. Note 1: For adjusted disability pension and partner see section 118NA. Note 2: For social security pension and social security benefit see section 5Q. Note 3: Even though the person may not actually be paid an amount of social security pension or benefit because the rate of the pension or benefit is nil, in some cases the pension or benefit will be taken to be payable to the person if adjusted disability pension is payable to the person or the person's partner: see subsection 23(1D) of the Social Security Act. (2) However, DFISA is not payable to the person on that day if: (a) the rate of DFISA would be nil; or (b) section 1129, 1130B or 1131 of the Social Security Act (financial hardship) applies to the person in relation to the primary payment; or (c) before that day: (i) the person had elected not to be covered by this Division; and (ii) that election had not been withdrawn. (3) An election, or a withdrawal of an election, under paragraph (2)(c): (a) must be by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. Subdivision B-Rate of Defence Force Income Support Allowance 118NC Rate of Defence Force Income Support Allowance DFISA rate where primary payment is neither compensation affected nor prescribed (1) The rate of DFISA on a day that is on or after 20 September 2004 is worked out using method statement 1 in this subsection, unless: (a) Part 3.14 of the Social Security Act (compensation recovery) applies to reduce the rate of the primary payment on that day (in which case see method statement 2 in subsection (2)); or (b) the primary payment is a social security pension or social security benefit that is prescribed for the purposes of this section (in which case, see subsection (3)). Note: For primary payment see section 118NB. Method Statement 1 Step 1. Work out the daily provisional payment rate for the primary payment on that day. Note: For daily provisional payment rate see subsection (4). Step 2. Work out what would have been the daily provisional payment rate (the notional rate) for the primary payment on that day if both of the following assumptions were made: First assumption The first assumption is that the adjusted disability pension payable to the person, or the person's partner, were an excluded amount (see section 118NA). Note: This will mean the adjusted disability pension will not be treated as income when calculating the notional rate. Second assumption The second assumption is that, if an amount of rent assistance was included in the primary payment, that amount were reduced (but not to less than nil) by the rent assistance reduction amount. Note: For rent assistance and rent assistance reduction amount see subsection (4). Step 3. Subtract the daily provisional payment rate under step 1 from the notional rate under step 2. The difference is the rate of DFISA on that day. DFISA rate where primary payment is compensation affected but not prescribed (2) The rate of DFISA on a day that is on or after 20 September 2004 is worked out using method statement 2 in this subsection if: (a) Part 3.14 of the Social Security Act (compensation recovery) applies to reduce the rate of the primary payment on that day; and (b) the primary payment is not a social security pension or social security benefit that is prescribed for the purposes of this section. Note: For primary payment see section 118NB. Method Statement 2 Step 1. Work out the daily provisional payment rate for the primary payment on that day. Note: For daily provisional payment rate see subsection (4). Step 2. Work out the amount by which Part 3.14 of the Social Security Act reduces the daily primary payment rate on that day. Step 3. Subtract the amount in step 2 from the rate in step 1. Step 4. Work out what would have been the daily provisional payment rate (the notional rate) for the primary payment on that day if the 2 assumptions referred to in step 2 of method statement 1 in subsection (1) were made. Step 5. Work out the amount by which Part 3.14 of the Social Security Act would have reduced the notional rate on that day if that rate had been the daily primary payment rate. Step 6. Subtract the amount in step 5 from the rate in step 4. Step 7. Subtract the amount in step 3 from the amount in step 6. The difference is the rate of DFISA on that day. Regulations may prescribe other ways of calculating rate of DFISA (3) The regulations may prescribe a social security pension or social security benefit for the purposes of this section. If the regulations do so, the regulations must also prescribe the method to work out the daily rate of DFISA that is payable in relation to that pension or benefit. Note: For social security pension and social security benefit see section 5Q. Definitions (4) In this section: daily provisional payment rate means the provisional payment rate, provisional annual payment rate or provisional fortnightly payment rate referred to in the Rate Calculator used under the Social Security Act to work out the rate of the primary payment, converted to a daily rate by dividing the rate by 364 (for a provisional annual payment rate) or 14 (for a provisional fortnightly payment rate). rent assistance has the same meaning as in the Social Security Act. rent assistance reduction amount is the amount that would be a person's income reduction under the Social Security Act if that income reduction were worked out by applying the same income test or ordinary income test that was used under that Act in calculating the person's primary payment, but applying that test on the basis that the adjusted disability pension payable to the person, or the person's partner, were the person's only ordinary income for the purposes of that Act. Subdivision C-Special rules for the Social Security Act 118ND Bereavement payments under the Social Security Act Increase of bereavement payments to take account of DFISA (1) If, immediately before a person dies: (a) a social security pension or social security benefit was payable to the person; and (b) DFISA was payable to the person; then, for the purposes of the bereavement payment provisions of the Social Security Act, the rate of the pension or benefit that, if the person had not died, would have been payable to the person on a day during the bereavement period is increased by the rate of DFISA that would also have been payable to the person on that day. Note 1: For social security pension and social security benefit see section 5Q. Note 2: For bereavement payment provision and bereavement period see subsection (4). (1A) If, immediately before a person (the care recipient) who is being cared for by another person (the carer) who is not the care recipient's partner dies: (a) a social security pension or social security benefit was payable to the carer; and (b) DFISA was payable to the carer; then, for the purposes of the bereavement payment provisions of the Social Security Act, the rate of the pension or benefit that, if the care recipient had not died, would have been payable to the carer on a day during the bereavement period is increased by the rate of DFISA that would also have been payable to the carer on that day. Note 1: For social security pension and social security benefit see section 5Q. Note 2: For bereavement payment provision and bereavement period see subsection (4). DFISA paid to person after the person dies (2) If: (a) a person is qualified for payments under a bereavement payment provision of the Social Security Act in relation to the death of the person's partner; and (b) after the person's partner died, an amount of DFISA to which the partner would have been entitled if the partner had not died has been paid under this Part; and (c) the Commission is not satisfied that the person has not had the benefit of the DFISA amount; the following provisions have effect: (d) the DFISA amount is not recoverable from the person or from the personal representative of the person's partner, except to the extent (if any) that the DFISA amount exceeds the amount payable to the person under the bereavement payment provision; (e) the amount payable to the person under the bereavement payment provision is to be reduced by the DFISA amount. Note: For bereavement payment provision see subsection (4). DFISA paid to a carer after care recipient dies (2A) If: (a) a person (the carer) is qualified for payments under a bereavement payment provision of the Social Security Act in relation to the death of another person (the care recipient), who is not the carer's partner, for whom the carer has been caring; and (b) after the death of the care recipient, an amount of DFISA to which the carer would have been entitled if the care recipient had not died has been paid under this Part; and (c) the Commission is not satisfied that the carer has not had the benefit of the DFISA amount; the following provisions have effect: (d) the DFISA amount is not recoverable from the carer, except to the extent (if any) that the DFISA amount exceeds the amount payable to the carer under the bereavement payment provision; (e) the amount payable to the carer under the bereavement payment provision is to be reduced by the DFISA amount. Note: For bereavement payment provision see subsection (4). Financial institutions not liable (3) If: (a) a person is qualified for payments under a bereavement payment provision of the Social Security Act in relation to the death of the person's partner; and (b) the amount of DFISA to which the person's partner would have been entitled if the person's partner had not died has been paid under this Part into an account with a financial institution within the bereavement period referred to in the bereavement payment provision; and (c) the financial institution pays to the person, out of the account, an amount not exceeding the total of the DFISA amounts paid as mentioned in paragraph (b); the financial institution is, in spite of anything in any other law, not liable to any action, claim or demand by the Commonwealth, the personal representative of the person's partner or anyone else in respect of the payment of that money to the person. Definitions (4) In this section: bereavement payment provisions of the Social Security Act means the following provisions of that Act: (a) Division 9 of Part 2.2 (age pension); (b) Division 10 of Part 2.3 (disability support pension); (c) Division 9 of Part 2.4 (wife pension); (d) Division 9 of Part 2.5 (carer payment); (e) Division 9 of Part 2.7 (bereavement allowance); (f) Division 9 of Part 2.8 (widow B pension); (g) Division 9 of Part 2.10 (parenting payment); (h) Division 10 of Part 2.11 (youth allowance); (i) Division 10 of Part 2.11A (austudy); (j) Division 9 of Part 2.12 (newstart); (k) Division 11 of Part 2.12B (mature age allowance); (l) Division 9 of Part 2.14 (sickness allowance); (m) Division 9 of Part 2.15 (special benefit); (n) Division 9 of Part 2.15A (partner allowance); (o) Division 10 of Part 2.16 (special needs pension). bereavement period has the meaning given by subsection 21(2) of the Social Security Act. 118NE Remote Area Allowance under the Social Security Act (1) If, on a day that is on or after 20 September 2004: (a) adjusted disability pension is payable to a person or a person's partner; and (b) a social security pension or social security benefit is payable to the person; and (c) the rate of the social security pension or social security benefit is nil; and (d) the rate of the social security pension or social security benefit would not be nil if the 2 assumptions (that relate to the adjusted disability pension) referred to in step 2 of method statement 1 in subsection 118NC(1) were made; then, for the purposes of the remote area allowance provisions of the Social Security Act, the rate of the social security pension or social security benefit on that day is taken to be greater than nil. Definitions (2) In this section: remote area allowance provisions of the Social Security Act means the following provisions of that Act: (a) point 1064-H1; (b) point 1065-E1; (c) point 1066-H1; (d) point 1066A-I1; (e) point 1066B-F1; (f) point 1067G-K1; (g) point 1067L-F1; (h) point 1068-J1; (i) point 1068A-F1; (j) point 1068B-G1. Division 3-DFISA bonus Subdivision A-Payment of DFISA bonus 118NF Payment of DFISA bonus (1) DFISA bonus is payable to a person if: (a) on a day (the critical day) that is on or after 20 September 2004, adjusted disability pension is payable to the person or the person's partner; and (b) on the critical day, social security age pension becomes payable to the person; and (c) on or after the critical day, social security pension bonus is granted to the person in relation to that age pension; and (d) the adjusted disability pension reduces (including to nil) the amount of that pension bonus. Note: For adjusted disability pension, partner, social security age pension and social security pension bonus see section 118NA. (2) However, DFISA bonus is not payable to the person if, on the critical day, section 1129 of the Social Security Act (financial hardship) applies to the person in relation to that age pension. 118NG When DFISA bonus is to be paid DFISA bonus is to be paid on: (a) the first pension payday after the social security pension bonus was granted; or (b) if the Commission considers it is not practicable to pay the DFISA bonus on that payday-the next practicable day. Note: For pension payday see section 5Q. 118NH Payment of bonus after death (1) This section sets out the only circumstances in which DFISA bonus will be payable after the death of the person concerned. Note: A person's surviving partner may be qualified for a DFISA bonus bereavement payment under Subdivision C of this Division. Later top up of DFISA bonus received before death (1A) If: (a) a person dies; and (b) at the time of the person's death, the person had received a DFISA bonus; and (c) after the person's death, the person's DFISA bonus is increased under section 118NIA; the increase is payable to the legal personal representative of the person. DFISA bonus payable before person dies (2) If: (a) DFISA bonus is payable to a person; and (b) the person dies; and (c) at the time of the person's death, the person had not received the DFISA bonus; the bonus is payable to the legal personal representative of the person. Top up of DFISA bonus also payable (2A) If a DFISA bonus is payable to the legal personal representative of a person under subsection (2), any increase in that bonus under section 118NIA is also payable to that legal personal representative. DFISA bonus not payable before person dies (2A) If: (a) a person claims a social security pension bonus; and (b) the person dies; and (c) at the time of the person's death, the claim had not been determined; then, if the claim is granted, DFISA bonus is payable to the legal representative of the person. Liability of Commonwealth (3) If DFISA bonus is paid under subsection (2) or (2A), the Commonwealth has no further liability to any person in respect of that bonus. Subdivision B-Amount of DFISA bonus 118NI Amount of DFISA bonus The amount of DFISA bonus for a person is worked out as follows: Method Statement Step 1. Work out the amount of social security pension bonus payable to the person. Step 2. Work out the amount of social security pension bonus (the notional pension bonus) that would have been payable to the person if the adjusted disability pension payable to the person, or the person's partner, were an excluded amount. Note: For excluded amount see section 118NA. Step 3. Subtract the amount of the pension bonus under step 1 from the amount of the notional pension bonus in step 2. The difference is the amount of the DFISA bonus. 118NIA Top up of DFISA bonus for social security top up (1) The amount of a person's DFISA bonus is to be increased if a determination (a top up determination) under section 93K or 93L of the Social Security Act is made in relation to the person's social security pension bonus. (2) The amount of the increase is the excess (if any) of the amount in paragraph (a) over the amount in paragraph (b): (a) the person's amount of DFISA bonus worked out under section 118NI having regard to the top up determination; and (b) the person's amount of DFISA bonus worked out under section 118NI without regard to the top up determination. Subdivision C-DFISA bonus bereavement payment 118NIB Qualification for DFISA bonus bereavement payment (1) A person is qualified for a DFISA bonus bereavement payment if: (a) the person is qualified for social security pension bonus bereavement payment; and (b) in working out what would have been the person's partner's amount of pension bonus under Division 6 of Part 2.2A of the Social Security Act for the purposes of paragraph 93WB(a) of that Act, the amount is reduced by adjusted disability pension that is payable to the person or the person's partner. (2) A person is qualified for a DFISA bonus bereavement payment if: (a) the person would have been qualified for social security pension bonus bereavement payment except that the amount of pension bonus that would have been payable to the legal personal representative of the person's partner for the purposes of paragraph 93WA(1)(d) of the Social Security Act would be nil; and (b) the amount would be nil because it was reduced by adjusted disability pension that was payable to the person or the person's partner. 118NIC Amount of DFISA bonus bereavement payment The amount of a person's DFISA bonus bereavement payment is the amount that would have been the person's partner's amount of DFISA bonus under Subdivision B of this Division if the partner had made claims for social security age pension and social security pension bonus just before the partner died. 118NID Payment of DFISA bonus bereavement payment DFISA bonus bereavement payment that a person is qualified for is payable to the person on: (a) if the person received a social security pension bonus bereavement payment: (i) the first pension payday after that payment was granted; or (ii) if the Commission considers that it is not practicable to pay the DFISA bonus bereavement payment on that day-the next practicable day; and (b) otherwise-the next practicable day after the person's claim for social security pension bonus bereavement payment is determined. 118NIE Payment of DFISA bonus bereavement payment after death (1) This section sets out the only circumstances in which DFISA bonus bereavement payment will be payable after the death of the person concerned. (2) If: (a) DFISA bonus bereavement payment is payable to a person; and (b) the person dies; and (c) at the time of the person's death, the person had not received the DFISA bonus bereavement payment; the payment is payable to the legal personal representative of the person. (3) If DFISA bonus bereavement payment is paid under subsection (2), the Commonwealth has no further liability to any person in respect of that payment. Division 4-DFISA-like payments etc. under regulations 118NJ DFISA-like payments etc. under regulations DFISA-like payments (1) The regulations may make provision for and in relation to a payment (DFISA-like payment) to a person on a day that is on or after 20 September 2004 if: (a) adjusted disability pension is payable to the person, or the person's partner, on that day; and (b) either: (i) a payment (the primary payment) under a Commonwealth scheme is payable to the person on that day but, because of the adjusted disability pension, the rate of the primary payment is reduced (including to nil); or (ii) apart from the adjusted disability pension, a payment (the primary payment) under a Commonwealth scheme would be payable to the person on that day. Note 1: For adjusted disability pension and partner see section 118NA. Note 2: For Commonwealth scheme see subsection (3). Secondary benefits (2) The regulations may also make provision for and in relation to a payment, or the provision of a non-financial benefit, to the person on a day that is on or after 20 September 2004 if: (a) a payment (other than the primary payment) or a non-financial benefit is not payable or provided to the person on that day under the Commonwealth scheme or another Commonwealth scheme, but only because the primary payment is not payable to the person on that day; and (b) the primary payment is not payable to the person on that day, but only because adjusted disability pension is payable to the person, or the person's partner, on that day; and (c) a DFISA-like payment is payable to the person on that day. (3) In this section: Commonwealth scheme means: (a) an Act; or (b) regulations or an instrument made under an Act; or (c) a program administered by the Commonwealth. Part VIIAC-Utilities allowance Division 1-Eligibility for and payability of utilities allowance 118O Definition In this Part: utilities allowance test day means: (a) 20 March; and (b) 20 June; and (c) 20 September; and (d) 20 December. 118OA Eligibility for utilities allowance A person is eligible for utilities allowance if: (b) a service pension or an income support supplement is payable to the person; and (c) the person: (i) is in Australia; or (ii) is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks. 118OB When utilities allowance is payable (1) Utilities allowance is payable to a person in relation to each utilities allowance test day on which the person is eligible for the allowance. (2) However, utilities allowance is not payable to the person in relation to that day if: (a) either of the following are payable in relation to that day: (i) seniors concession allowance under this Act; (ii) seniors concession allowance under the Social Security Act; or (b) before that day: (i) the person had elected not to be covered by this Part; and (ii) that election had not been withdrawn. (3) An election, or a withdrawal of an election, under paragraph (2)(b): (a) must be by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. Division 2-Rate of utilities allowance 118OC Rate of utilities allowance A person's annual rate of utilities allowance is worked out using the following table: |Utilities allowance rate table | |Column 1|Column 2 |Column 3 | |Item |Person's situation |Annual rate | |1 |not a member of a |$500 | | |couple | | |2 |member of an illness |$500 | | |separated couple | | |3 |member of a respite |$500 | | |care couple | | |4 |member of a couple |half the rate specified | | |(other than an |in column 3 of item 1 | | |illness separated | | | |couple or a respite | | | |care couple) | | Note: The annual rates of utilities allowance are indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases (see section 198E). Division 3-Payment of utilities allowance 118OD Payment of utilities allowance by instalments (1) Utilities allowance is to be paid by instalments. (2) If utilities allowance is payable to a person in relation to a utilities allowance test day, then an instalment of the allowance is to be paid to the person on the person's first pension payday on or after that test day. (3) The amount of an instalment of utilities allowance is worked out by dividing the amount of the annual rate of utilities allowance by 4. (4) If the amount of the instalment is not a multiple of 10 cents, the amount is to be increased to the nearest multiple of 10 cents. Part VIIAD-Seniors concession allowance Division 1-Eligibility for and payability of seniors concession allowance 118P Definition In this Part: seniors concession allowance test day means: (a) 20 March; and (b) 20 June; and (c) 20 September; and (d) 20 December. 118PA Eligibility for seniors concession allowance (1) A person is eligible for seniors concession allowance if: (a) the person is the holder of a seniors health card; or (c) the person is covered by subsection (2) and is in Australia; or (d) all of the following apply to the person: (i) the person is temporarily absent from Australia; (ii) the person has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks; (iii) the person was covered by subsection (2) immediately before leaving Australia. (2) A person is covered by this subsection if: (a) the person is the holder of a gold card; and (b) the person has reached qualifying age; and (c) all of the following conditions are satisfied in relation to the person: (i) the person is not eligible for seniors concession allowance under paragraph (1)(a) or (b); (ii) the person is not qualified for seniors concession allowance under the Social Security Act; (iii) the person is not eligible for utilities allowance under this Act; (iv) the person is not qualified for utilities allowance under the Social Security Act. Note: For qualifying age see section 5Q. (2A) If: (a) on the seniors concession allowance test day, a person satisfies all of the conditions specified in paragraph (2)(c); and (b) after that day, a determination is made under this Act or the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999; and (c) that determination takes effect on or before that day; and (d) as a result of that determination, the person no longer satisfies all of those conditions on that day; then, for the purposes of subsection (2), the person is taken to have satisfied all of those conditions on that day. (3) In this section: gold card means a card known as the Repatriation Health Card - For All Conditions that evidences a person's eligibility, under this Act or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, to be provided with treatment for all injuries or diseases. 118PB When seniors concession allowance is payable (1) Seniors concession allowance is payable to a person in relation to each seniors concession allowance test day on which the person is eligible for the allowance. (2) However, seniors concession allowance is not payable to the person in relation to that day if: (b) before that day: (i) the person had elected not to be covered by this Part; and (ii) that election had not been withdrawn; or (c) subsection 122A(1C) (failing to nominate a bank account) applies to the person. (3) An election, or a withdrawal of an election, under paragraph (2)(b): (a) must be by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. Division 2-Rate of seniors concession allowance 118PC Rate of seniors concession allowance A person's annual rate of seniors concession allowance is $500. Note: The annual rate of seniors concession allowance is indexed twice a year in line with CPI increases (see section 198E). Division 3-Payment of seniors concession allowance 118PD Payment of seniors concession allowance by instalments (1) Seniors concession allowance is to be paid by instalments. (2) An instalment of seniors concession allowance is to be paid to a person as soon as is reasonably practicable on or after the seniors concession allowance test day in relation to which the allowance is payable to the person. (3) The amount of an instalment of seniors concession allowance is worked out by dividing the amount of the annual rate of seniors concession allowance by 4. (4) If the amount of the instalment is not a multiple of 10 cents, the amount is to be increased to the nearest multiple of 10 cents. Part VIIB-Telephone allowance Division 1-Eligibility for and payability of telephone allowance 118Q Eligibility for telephone allowance Service pensioners (1) A person is eligible for a telephone allowance if: (a) the person is a service pensioner; and (b) the person is eligible for fringe benefits under section 53A; and (c) the person is a telephone subscriber. Note: for telephone subscriber see subsection (4). Certain Part II and Part IV pensioners (2) A person is eligible for a telephone allowance if: (a) the person is eligible for a pension under Part II or Part IV: (i) at a rate specified in subsection 22(4) (extreme disablement adjustment rate); or (ii) at the rate specified in section 24 (special rate); or (iii) the rate of which is increased under subsection 27(2) by an amount specified in any of items 1 to 8 of the Table in subsection 27(1); or (iv) at the rate specified in subsection 30(1) (certain war widows and war widowers rate); and (b) the person is a telephone subscriber. Note 1: for telephone subscriber see subsection (4). Note 2: the rate specified in section 24 is the rate for people to whom section 25 applies (temporary payment at special rate) as well as for people to whom section 24 applies (see subsection 25(2)). World War 1 veterans (3) A person is eligible for a telephone allowance if: (a) the person is: (i) a veteran who rendered eligible war service during World War 1; or (ii) a Commonwealth veteran who rendered continuous full-time service during World War 1; or (iii) an allied veteran who rendered continuous full-time service during World War 1; and (b) the person is a telephone subscriber. Note 1: for telephone subscriber see subsection (4). Note 2: for World War 1 see subsections 5B(1) and (3). Note 3: in addition to the categories of eligibility described in subsections (1) to (3), World War 1 Australian mariners may be eligible for telephone allowance under a determination made under subsection 5R(1). (3AA) A person is eligible for a telephone allowance if: (a) either: (i) the person is the holder of a seniors health card; or (ii) the person is absent from Australia and was the holder of a seniors health card immediately before leaving Australia; and (b) the person is a telephone subscriber. People leaving Australia otherwise than temporarily (3A) A person who leaves Australia otherwise than temporarily is not eligible for a telephone allowance on or after the next telephone allowance payday. Temporary absence from Australia (3B) A person who is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so absent for more than 26 weeks is not eligible for an instalment of telephone allowance that, apart from this subsection, would be payable on a telephone allowance payday occurring after the first 26 weeks of the absence. (4) In this section: telephone subscriber means a person: (a) who is an Australian resident; and (b) who has a telephone service connected in Australia; and (c) the telephone service is connected: (i) in that person's name; or (ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply to the person and the person is a non-illness separated spouse-in the name of the person to whom the person is legally married; or (iii) if neither (i) nor (ii) applies to the person and the person is a member of a couple-in the name of the person's partner. Note: for Australian resident see section 5G. 118R Telephone allowance not payable in some circumstances (1) Even though a person is eligible for a telephone allowance, the allowance is not payable to the person: (a) if the person is receiving a telephone allowance under the Social Security Act or the MRCA; or (aa) if, on or before the telephone allowance payday, the person had not given oral or written notice to the Secretary about the telephone connection mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (c) of the definition of telephone subscriber in subsection 118Q(4); or (b) if: (i) the person is a service pensioner; and (ii) the person is a member of a couple; and (iii) the person's partner is receiving a telephone allowance because of subsection 118Q(3) or a determination under subsection 5R(1). Note 1: subsection 118Q(3) covers certain categories of World War 1 veterans. Note 2: the relevant determination under subsection 5R(1) provides eligibility for telephone allowance to certain categories of World War 1 Australian mariners. (2) Written notice under paragraph (1)(aa): (a) must be by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) is taken to have been given on a day determined under that section. Division 2-Rate of telephone allowance 118S Standard rate of telephone allowance (1) Subject to this section, the rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB (increased rate for home Internet) does not apply is $88.00 per year. Note: The amount specified in subsection (1) is indexed annually in line with CPI increases under section 198F. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB (increased rate for home Internet) does not apply is half the amount of the rate payable under subsection (1) if: (a) the person is a service pensioner; and (b) the person is eligible for fringe benefits under section 53A; and (c) the person is a member of a couple; and (d) the person's partner is receiving a telephone allowance under: (i) this Act; or (ia) the MRCA; or (ii) the Social Security Act; and (e) the person is living with the person's partner in the same home. (3) If a person is eligible for a telephone allowance because of subsection 118Q(3) or a determination under subsection 5R(1), the person's rate of telephone allowance per year is the amount equal to the person's annual telephone rental charge for one telephone service. Note 1: subsection 118Q(3) covers certain categories of World War 1 veterans. Note 2: the relevant determination under subsection 5R(1) provides eligibility for telephone allowance to certain categories of World War 1 Australian mariners. (4) The rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB (increased rate for home Internet) does not apply is half the amount of the rate payable under subsection (1) if: (a) the person is the holder of a seniors health card; and (b) the person is a member of a couple; and (c) the person's partner is receiving a telephone allowance under: (i) this Act; or (ia) the MRCA; or (ii) the Social Security Act; and (d) the person is living with the person's partner in the same home. 118SA Increased rate of telephone allowance (1) Subject to this section, the rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB (increased rate for home Internet) applies is $132.00 per year. Note: The amount specified in subsection (1) is indexed annually in line with CPI increases under section 198F. (2) The rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB applies is half the amount of the rate payable under subsection (1) if: (a) the person is a service pensioner; and (b) the person is eligible for fringe benefits under section 53A; and (c) the person is a member of a couple; and (d) the person's partner is receiving a telephone allowance at the increased rate; and (e) the person is living with the person's partner in the same home. (3) The rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB applies is half the amount of the rate payable under subsection (1) if: (a) the person is the holder of a seniors health card; and (b) the person is a member of a couple; and (c) the person's partner is receiving a telephone allowance at the increased rate; and (d) the person is living with the person's partner in the same home. (4) The rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB applies is $88.00 if: (a) the person is a service pensioner; and (b) the person is eligible for fringe benefits under section 53A; and (c) the person is a member of a couple; and (d) the person's partner is receiving a telephone allowance at the standard rate; and (e) the person is living with the person's partner in the same home. Note: The amount specified in subsection (4) is indexed annually in line with CPI increases under section 198F. (5) The rate of telephone allowance for a person to whom section 118SB applies is $88.00 if: (a) the person is the holder of a seniors health card; and (b) the person is a member of a couple; and (c) the person's partner is receiving a telephone allowance at the standard rate; and (d) the person is living with the person's partner in the same home. Note: The amount specified in subsection (5) is indexed annually in line with CPI increases under section 198F. (6) In this section: telephone allowance at the increased rate, in relation to the partner of a person, means: (a) telephone allowance that is payable to the partner under this Act at the rate payable under subsection (2) or (3); or (b) telephone allowance that is payable to the partner under the MRCA at the rate payable under paragraph 223(b) or 247(b) of that Act; or (c) telephone allowance that is payable to the partner under the Social Security Act at the rate payable under table item 3, 5 or 8 of the table in section 1061SA of that Act. telephone allowance at the standard rate, in relation to the partner of a person, means: (a) telephone allowance that is payable to the partner under this Act at the rate payable under subsection 118S(2) or (4); or (b) telephone allowance that is payable to the partner under the MRCA at the rate payable under paragraph 223(a) or 247(a) of that Act; or (c) telephone allowance that is payable to the partner under the Social Security Act at the rate payable under table item 3, 5 or 8 of the table in section 1061S of that Act. 118SB Increased rate of telephone allowance for home Internet (1) This section applies to a person if the person satisfies the conditions in this section. Note: A person is eligible for an increased rate of telephone allowance if this section applies to him or her: see section 118SA. First condition (2) The first condition is that an Internet carriage service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992) is connected in Australia either: (a) in the person's name; or (b) if paragraph (a) does not apply to the person and the person is a non-illness separated spouse-in the name of the person to whom the person is legally married; or (c) if neither paragraph (a) nor (b) applies to the person and the person is a member of a couple-in the name of the person's partner. Second condition (3) The second condition is that the person is able to access that Internet carriage service at the person's principal home. Third condition (4) The third condition is that, on or before the telephone allowance payday, the person gave oral or written notice to the Secretary about the connection of the Internet carriage service mentioned in subsection (2). (5) Written notice under subsection (4): (a) must be by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) is taken to have been given on a day determined under that section. Definition (6) In this section: telephone allowance payday has the same meaning as in subsection 118T(2). Division 3-Payment of telephone allowance 118T Payment by instalments (1) A full instalment of telephone allowance is payable to a person on each telephone allowance payday on which: (a) the person is eligible for the allowance; and (b) the allowance is payable to the person. (2) In this section: telephone allowance payday means the first pension payday that falls on or after: (a) 1 January; and (b) 20 March; and (c) 1 July; and (d) 20 September. 118U Calculation of amount of instalment (1) The amount of an instalment of telephone allowance is the amount worked out by dividing the amount of the annual rate of telephone allowance by 4. (2) If the amount that is payable to a person on a pension payday is not a multiple of 10 cents, the amount is to be increased to the nearest multiple of 10 cents. Part VIIC-Seniors health card Division 1-Eligibility for and entitlement to a seniors health card Subdivision A-Eligibility 118V Eligibility for seniors health card (1) A person is eligible for a seniors health card if the person: (a) is a veteran; and (b) has rendered qualifying service; and (c) has reached pension age; and (d) is an Australian resident; and (e) is either: (i) in Australia; or (ii) temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks; and (f) is not receiving a service pension; and (g) is not receiving a social security pension or benefit; and (h) satisfies the seniors health card income test. Note 1: For qualifying service see section 7A. Note 2: For Australian resident see section 5G. Note 3: For seniors health card income test see section 118ZZA. Note 4: For pension age see section 5QA. Note 5: For temporarily see section 5Q. (1A) A person is eligible for a seniors health card if the person: (a) is a war widow or a war widower; and (b) has reached qualifying age; and (c) is an Australian resident; and (d) is either: (i) in Australia; or (ii) temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks; and (e) is not receiving income support supplement; and (f) satisfies the seniors health card income test; and (g) is not eligible for a seniors health card under subsection (1). Note 1: For Australian resident see section 5G. Note 2: For seniors health card income test see section 118ZZA. Note 3: For war widow and war widower see subsection 5E(1). Note 3A: For temporarily see section 5Q. Note 4: For qualifying age see section 5Q. Partner of person eligible for card under subsection (1) (2) A person is eligible for a seniors health card if: (a) the person is a member of a couple; and (b) the person's partner is eligible for a seniors health card under subsection (1); and (c) the person has reached: (i) if the person is not a veteran-pension age; or (ii) if the person is a veteran-the age that would be the pension age for that person if he or she were not a veteran; and (d) the person is an Australian resident; and (e) the person: (i) is in Australia; or (ii) is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks; and (f) the person is not receiving a service pension; and (g) the person is not receiving a social security pension or benefit; and (h) the person satisfies the seniors health card income test; and (i) the person is not eligible for a seniors health card under subsection (1) or (1A). Note 1: For member of couple and partner see section 5E. Note 3: For Australian resident see section 5G. Note 4: For seniors health card income test see section 118ZZA. Note 5: For pension age see section 5QB. Note 6: For temporarily see section 5Q. (3) A person is eligible for a seniors health card if: (a) the person is: (i) the non-illness separated spouse of a person who is receiving an age or invalidity service pension; or (ii) the non-illness separated spouse of a person who is eligible for a seniors health card under subsection (1); or (iii) a widow or widower of a veteran; and (b) the person is eligible for a partner service pension; and (c) the person has reached: (i) if the person is not a veteran-pension age; or (ii) if the person is a veteran-the age that would be the pension age for that person if he or she were not a veteran; and (d) the person is an Australian resident; and (e) the person: (i) is in Australia; or (ii) is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks; and (f) the person is not receiving a service pension; and (g) the person is not receiving a social security pension or benefit; and (h) the person satisfies the seniors health card income test; and (i) the person is not eligible for a seniors health card under subsection (1) or (1A). Note 1: For non-illness separated spouse, widow and widower see subsection 5E(1). Note 2: For veteran see subsection 5C(1). Note 3: For pension age see section 5QB. Note 4: For Australian resident see section 5G. Note 5: For seniors health card income test see section 118ZZA. Note 6: For temporarily see section 5Q. (4) A person is not eligible for a seniors health card at a particular test time if: (a) the person has failed to comply with section 118ZJA in respect of the reference tax year; or (b) where the person has made an estimate of taxable income for the reference tax year and the estimate was accepted-the person did not give the Commission a copy of a notice of assessment of the person's taxable income for that tax year within 12 months after the end of that tax year. Note: If a person is eligible for a seniors health card, the Commission must not determine that the person is entitled to the card if the person fails to comply with a request in subsection 128A(3) or (3A) (about provision of tax file numbers). (5) In subsection (4): taxable income, test time and reference tax year have the same meanings as in the Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator. Subdivision B-Entitlement 118W Entitlement to a seniors health card Even though a person is eligible for a seniors health card, it is only if the person is the holder of a seniors health card that benefits and concessions of various kinds relating to the person's health may be made available to the person by the Commonwealth. Note 1: If there is a determination in force that a person is entitled to a seniors health card, the person is the holder of a seniors health card. For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. Note 2: A person who is the holder of a seniors health card generally has access to concessional pharmaceutical benefits under the National Health Act 1953. 118X Social Security cardholder not entitled If a person is the holder of a seniors health card within the meaning of the Social Security Act, the person is not entitled to a seniors health card under this Act. Division 2-Claim for seniors health card 118Y Need for a claim A person who wants to be granted a seniors health card must make a proper claim. Note: For proper claim see section 118ZA (form), section 118ZB (manner of lodgment) and section 118ZC (residence/presence in Australia). 118Z Who can claim? (1) Subject to subsection (2), a claim must be made by: (a) the person who wants to be granted a seniors health card; or (b) with the approval of the person-another person on the person's behalf. (2) If the person is unable, because of physical or mental incapacity, to approve another person to make the claim on his or her behalf, the Commission may approve another person to make the claim. 118ZA Making a claim (1) To be a proper claim, the claim must be: (a) made in writing; and (b) in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; and (c) accompanied by any evidence available to the claimant that the claimant considers may be relevant to the claim; and (d) lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (2) A claim lodged in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. 118ZC Claimant must be an Australian resident and in Australia A claim is not a proper claim unless the person making the claim, or on whose behalf the claim is being made, is: (a) an Australian resident; and (b) in Australia; on the day on which the claim is lodged. Note: For Australian resident see section 5G. 118ZD Claim may be withdrawn (1) A claimant for a seniors health card or a person on behalf of a claimant may withdraw a claim that has not been determined. (2) A claim that is withdrawn is taken to have not been made. (3) A withdrawal may be made either orally or by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (4) A withdrawal made by lodging a document in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been so made on a day determined under that section. Oral withdrawal of a claim (5) An oral withdrawal of a claim must be made to a person in an office of the Department in Australia. Acknowledgment of oral withdrawal of a claim (6) As soon as practicable after receiving an oral withdrawal of a claim, the Secretary must give the claimant an acknowledgment notice in writing stating that: (a) an oral withdrawal of the claim was made; and (b) the claimant, or a person on behalf of the claimant, may, within 28 days from the day the acknowledgment notice is given, request the Secretary to treat the withdrawal as if it had not been made. Reactivating the withdrawn claim (7) If, within 28 days from the day on which the Secretary gave the acknowledgment notice, a claimant, or a person on behalf of a claimant, requests the Secretary to treat the oral withdrawal of the claim as if it had not been made, the oral withdrawal is taken not to have been made. Note: A request made under paragraph (6)(b) has the effect of reactivating the claim. In particular, the commencement day of the claim stays the same. Division 3-Investigation of claim 118ZE Secretary to investigate claim and submit it to Commission (1) If a person makes a proper claim for a seniors health card, the Secretary must investigate the matters to which the claim relates. (2) When the investigation is completed, the Secretary must submit the claim to the Commission for consideration and determination. (3) When the claim is submitted to the Commission it must be accompanied by: (a) any evidence supplied by the claimant in support of the claim; and (b) any documents or other evidence obtained by the Department in the course of the investigation that are relevant to the claim; and (c) any other documents or other evidence under the control of the Department that are relevant to the claim. Division 4-Consideration and determination of claim 118ZF Duties of Commission in relation to claim Determination of claim (1) When the claim is submitted to the Commission, the Commission must consider all matters that are, in the Commission's opinion, relevant to the claim and must then determine the claim. (2) In considering the claim, the Commission must: (a) satisfy itself with respect to; or (b) determine; (as the case requires) all matters relevant to the determination of the claim. (3) Without limiting subsection (1), the Commission, in considering the claim, must consider: (a) the evidence submitted with the claim under section 118ZE; and (b) any further evidence subsequently submitted to the Commission in relation to the claim. Record of determination and reasons (4) When the Commission determines the claim it must make a written record of its determination. (5) The Commission must also make a statement in writing about the determination that: (a) sets out the Commission's findings on material questions of fact; and (b) refers to the evidence or other material on which those findings are based; and (c) provides reasons for the Commission's determination. Notification of determination (6) As soon as practicable after the Commission determines a claim under subsection (1), the Commission must give the person who made the claim: (a) a copy of the record of the Commission's determination; and (b) subject to subsection (7), a copy of the statement about the determination referred to in subsection (5); and (c) particulars of the right of the person who made the claim to have the determination reviewed by the Commission. (7) If the statement referred to in paragraph (6)(b) contains any matter that, in the opinion of the Commission: (a) is of a confidential nature; or (b) might, if communicated to the person who made the claim, be prejudicial to his or her physical or mental health or well- being; the copy given to the person is not to contain that matter. Note: A claimant may apply to the Commission for review of a determination made under this section (see section 118ZS). 118ZG Entitlement determination Subject to section 118X and subsection 128A(2A), the Commission is to determine that a person is entitled to a seniors health card if the Commission is satisfied that the person is eligible for the card. 118ZH Date of effect of determination A determination under section 118ZG takes effect on the day on which the determination is made or on such later day or earlier day as is specified in the determination. Division 5-Cardholder's obligations 118ZI Secretary may require notice of the happening of event or a change in circumstances (1) The Secretary may give a person who is the holder of a seniors health card a notice that requires the person to inform the Department, or an officer specified in the notice, if: (a) a specified event or change of circumstances occurs; or (b) the person becomes aware that a specified event or change of circumstances is likely to occur. Note: For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. (2) An event or change of circumstances is not to be specified in a notice under subsection (1) unless the occurrence of the event or change of circumstances might affect whether the person is eligible for the card. (3) A notice under subsection (1): (a) must be in writing; and (b) may be given personally or by post; and (c) subject to subsection (3A), must specify how the person is to give the information to the Department or specified officer; and (d) must specify the period within which the person is to give the information to the Department or specified officer. (3A) A document lodged as a consequence of a notice issued under subsection (1) that requires a person to inform the Department in writing of the occurrence, or likely occurrence, of a specified event or change of circumstances: (a) is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) is taken to have been lodged on a day determined under that section. (4) The period specified under paragraph (3)(d) must end at least 14 days after: (a) the day on which the event or change of circumstances occurs; or (b) the day on which the person becomes aware that the event or change of circumstances is likely to occur. (5) A person must not fail to comply with a notice under subsection (1). Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months. (5A) An offence under subsection (5) is an offence of strict liability. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code. (5B) Subsection (5) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5B). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. (5C) Subsection (5) does not apply to the extent that the person is not capable of complying with the notice. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5C). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. (6) A person must not, in purported compliance with a notice under subsection (1), knowingly furnish information that is false or misleading in a material particular. Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months. Note: Subsections 4B(2) and (3) of the Crimes Act 1914 allow a court to impose an appropriate fine instead of, or in addition to, a term of imprisonment. (7) This section extends to: (a) acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia whether or not in a foreign country; and (b) all persons irrespective of their nationality or citizenship. (8) In this section, officer means a person performing duties, or exercising powers or functions, under or in relation to this Act. 118ZJ Secretary may require particular information relevant to eligibility for seniors health card (1) The Secretary may give a person who is the holder of a seniors health card a notice that requires the person to give the Department, or an officer specified in the notice, a statement in writing about a matter that might affect whether the person is eligible for the card. Note: For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. (2) A notice under subsection (1): (a) must be in writing; and (b) may be given personally or by post; and (c) subject to subsection (3A), must specify how the statement is to be given to the Department or specified officer; and (d) must specify the period within which the person is to give the statement to the Department or specified officer. (3) The period specified under paragraph (2)(d) must end at least 14 days after the day on which the notice is given. (3A) A document lodged as a consequence of a notice issued under subsection (1) that requires a person to give the Department a statement about a matter of a kind specified in that subsection: (a) is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) is taken to have been lodged on a day determined under that section. (4) A statement given in response to a notice under subsection (1) must be in accordance with a form approved by the Commission. (5) A person must not fail to comply with a notice under subsection (1). Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months. (5A) An offence under subsection (5) is an offence of strict liability. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code. (5B) Subsection (5) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5B). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. (5C) Subsection (5) does not apply to the extent that the person is not capable of complying with the notice. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (5C). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. (6) A person must not, in purported compliance with a notice under subsection (1), knowingly furnish information that is false or misleading in a material particular. Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months. Note: Subsections 4B(2) and (3) of the Crimes Act 1914 allow a court to impose an appropriate fine instead of, or in addition to, a term of imprisonment. (7) This section extends to: (a) acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia whether or not in a foreign country; and (b) all persons irrespective of their nationality or citizenship. (8) In this section, officer means a person performing duties, or exercising powers or functions, under or in relation to this Act. 118ZJA When copy of notice of assessment of taxable income to be given to Department (1) If a person who is the holder of a seniors health card receives a notice of assessment or amended assessment of his or her taxable income for a particular tax year, the person must, if requested by the Secretary to do so, give a copy of the notice to the Department within 3 months after the day on which the notice was received. (2) In this section: taxable income has the same meaning as in the Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator. Division 6-Continuation, variation and termination 118ZK Continuing effect of determination A determination that a person is entitled to a seniors health card continues in effect until: (a) the person ceases to be entitled to the card under section 118ZL or 118ZM; or (b) a further determination under section 118ZN or 118ZO or subsection 128A(2B) has taken effect. 118ZL Person ceases to be entitled to card automatically-recipient complying with section 118ZI notification obligations If: (a) a person who is the holder of a seniors health card is given a notice under section 118ZI; and (b) the notice requires the person to inform the Department or a specified officer of the occurrence of an event or change in circumstances within a specified period (the notification period); and (c) the event or change in circumstances occurs; and (d) the person informs the Department or specified officer of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances within the notification period in accordance with the notice; and (e) because of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances, the person ceases to be eligible for the card; and (f) a determination is not made that the person ceases to be entitled to the card before the end of the notification period; the person continues to be entitled to the card until the end of the notification period and the person then ceases to be entitled to the card. Note: For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. 118ZM Person ceases to be entitled to card automatically-recipient not complying with section 118ZI notification obligations If: (a) a person who is the holder of a seniors health card is given a notice under section 118ZI; and (b) the notice requires the person to inform the Department or a specified officer of the occurrence of an event or change in circumstances within a specified period (the notification period); and (c) the event or change in circumstances occurs; and (d) the person does not inform the Department or specified officer of the occurrence of the event or change in circumstances within the notification period in accordance with the notice; and (e) because of the occurrence of the event or the change in circumstances the person ceases to be eligible for the card; the person ceases to be entitled to the card immediately after the day on which the event or change in circumstances occurs. Note: For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. 118ZN Determination that a person ceases to be entitled to a seniors health card (1) If the Commission is satisfied that a person is, or was, the holder of a seniors health card when the person is not, or was not, eligible for the card, the Commission is to determine that the person ceases to be entitled to the card. Note 1: For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. Note 2: A determination under this section is not necessary in a case where an automatic loss of eligibility is produced by section 118ZL or 118ZM. Note 3: For the date of effect of a determination under this section see section 118ZR. (2) A determination under subsection (1) must be in writing. 118ZO Person may cease to be entitled to a seniors health card for failure to comply with section 118ZJ notice (1) If: (a) a person who is the holder of a seniors health card is given a notice under section 118ZJ; and (b) the person does not comply with the requirements set out in the notice; the Commission may determine that the person ceases to be entitled to the card. Note 1: For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. Note 2: This section will not apply in a case where section 118ZN applies. Note 3: For the date of effect of a determination under this section see section 118ZR. (2) A determination under subsection (1) must be in writing. 118ZP Resumption of entitlement (1) If the Commission: (a) determines that a person ceases to be entitled to a seniors health card under section 118ZN or 118ZO; and (b) reconsiders that decision; and (c) becomes satisfied that because of that decision: (i) the person was not entitled to a seniors health card when in fact the person was eligible for the card; or (ii) the person is not entitled to a seniors health card when in fact the person is eligible for the card; the Commission is to determine that the person was or is entitled to the card. (2) The reconsideration referred to in paragraph (1)(b) might be a reconsideration on a claim under section 118ZS for review or a reconsideration on the Commission's own initiative. (3) A determination under subsection (1) must be in writing. Note: For the date of effect of a determination under this section see section 118ZQ. 118ZQ Date of effect of favourable determination A determination under section 118ZP takes effect on the day on which the determination is made or on such later day or earlier day as is specified in the determination. 118ZR Date of effect of adverse determination (1) The day on which a determination under section 118ZN or 118ZO or subsection 128A(2B) (the adverse determination) takes effect is worked out in accordance with this section. (2) The adverse determination takes effect on: (a) the day on which the determination is made; or (b) if another day is specified in the determination-on that day. (3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), the day specified under paragraph (2)(b) must be later than the day on which the determination is made. Contravention of Act (4) If: (a) the person's entitlement to a seniors health card is affected by the adverse determination and the person has contravened a provision of this Act (other than subsection 118ZI(5), 118ZJ(5) or 128(4)); and (b) the contravention causes a delay in making the determination; the day specified under paragraph (2)(b) may be earlier than the day on which the determination is made. False statement or misrepresentation (5) If: (a) a person has made a false statement or misrepresentation; and (b) because of the false statement or misrepresentation, the person became the holder of a seniors health card when in fact the person was not eligible for the card; the day specified under paragraph (2)(b) may be earlier than the day on which the determination is made. Division 7-Review of decisions 118ZS Review of certain decisions (1) A claimant who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Commission in relation to a claim for a seniors health card may request the Commission to review the decision. (2) A person who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Commission that the person ceases to be entitled to a seniors health card may request the Commission to review the decision. 118ZT Application for review (1) A request for review of a decision under section 118ZS must: (a) be made within 3 months after the person seeking review was notified of the decision; and (b) set out the grounds on which the request is made; and (c) be in writing; and (d) be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (1A) A request lodged in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (2) If a request for review of a decision is made in accordance with subsection (1), the Commission must review the decision. (3) If the Commission has delegated its powers under this section to the person who made the decision under review, that person must not review the decision. 118ZU Commission's powers where request for review (1) If the Commission reviews a decision under this Division, the Commission must affirm the decision or set it aside. (2) If the Commission sets the decision aside it must, subject to subsection (3), substitute a new decision in accordance with this Act. (3) If the decision set aside is a decision that a person ceases to be entitled to a seniors health card, the Commission need not substitute another decision. Note: For the Commission's evidence gathering powers see section 118ZY. 118ZV Date of effect of certain review decisions (1) If the Commission sets aside a decision and substitutes for it a decision that a person is entitled to a seniors health card, the substituted decision takes effect from a date specified by the Commission. (2) The date specified by the Commission must not be earlier than the date from which, had the Commission determined that the person is entitled to a seniors health card, such a determination could have taken effect. 118ZW Commission must make written record of review decision and reasons (1) When the Commission reviews a decision under this Division it must make a written record of its decision upon review. (2) The written record must include a statement that: (a) sets out the Commission's findings on material questions of fact; and (b) refers to the evidence or other material on which those findings are based; and (c) provides reasons for the Commission's decision. 118ZX Person who requested review to be notified of decision (1) When the Commission affirms or sets aside a decision under this Division it must give the person who requested the review of the decision: (a) a copy of the Commission's decision; and (b) subject to subsection (2), a copy of the statement about the decision referred to in subsection 118ZW(1); and (c) if the person has a right to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the Commission's decision-a statement giving the person particulars of that right. (2) If the statement referred to in paragraph (1)(b) contains any matter that, in the opinion of the Commission: (a) is of a confidential nature; or (b) might, if communicated to the person who requested review, be prejudicial to his or her physical or mental health or well- being; the copy given to the person is not to contain that matter. 118ZY Powers of Commission to gather evidence (1) The Commission or the Commission's delegate may, in reviewing a decision under this Division: (a) take evidence on oath or affirmation for the purposes of the review; and (b) adjourn a hearing of the review from time to time. (2) The presiding member of the Commission or the Commission's delegate may, for the purposes of the review: (a) summon a person to appear at a hearing of the review to give evidence and to produce such documents (if any) as are referred to in the summons; and (b) require a person appearing at a hearing of the review for the purpose of giving evidence either to take an oath or to make an affirmation; and (c) administer an oath or affirmation to a person so appearing. (3) The person who applied for the review under this Division is a competent and compellable witness upon the hearing of the review. (4) The oath or affirmation to be taken or made by a person for the purposes of this section is an oath or affirmation that the evidence that the person will give will be true. (5) The Commission's power under paragraph (1)(a) to take evidence on oath or affirmation: (a) may be exercised on behalf of the Commission by: (i) the presiding member or the Commission's delegate; or (ii) by another person (whether a member or not) authorised by the presiding member or the Commission's delegate; and (b) may be exercised within or outside Australia; and (c) must be exercised subject to any limitations specified by the Commission. (6) Where a person is authorised under subparagraph (5)(a)(ii) to take evidence for the purposes of a review, the person has: (a) all the powers of the Commission under subsection (1); and (b) all the powers of the presiding member under subsection (2); for the purposes of taking that evidence. (7) In this section: Commission's delegate means a person to whom the Commission has delegated its powers under section 118ZT and who is conducting the review in question. 118ZZ Withdrawal of request for review (1) A person who requests a review under section 118ZS may withdraw the request at any time before it is determined by the Commission. (2) To withdraw the request, the person must give written notice of withdrawal to the Secretary and the notice must be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (3) Subject to section 118ZT, a person who withdraws a request for review may subsequently make another request for review of the same decision. Note: Section 118ZT provides that a person who wants to request a review of a decision must do so within 3 months after the person has received notice of the decision. Division 8-Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator 118ZZA Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator The Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator at the end of this section is to be used in working out whether a person satisfies the seniors health card income test for the purposes of this Act. Seniors Health Card Income Test Calculator Satisfying the seniors health card income test 118ZZA-1 This is how to work out whether a person satisfies the seniors health card income test at a particular time (the test time). Method statement Step 1. Work out the amount of the person's adjusted taxable income for the reference tax year. Step 2. Work out the person's seniors health card income limit using point 118ZZA-11. Step 3. Work out whether the person's adjusted taxable income for the reference tax year exceeds the seniors health card income limit. Step 4. If the person's adjusted taxable income for the reference tax year is less than the person's seniors health card income limit, the person satisfies the seniors health card income test. Step 5. If the person's adjusted taxable income for the reference tax year is equal to or exceeds the person's seniors health card income limit, the person does not satisfy the seniors health card income test. Reference tax year 118ZZA-2(1) In the ordinary case, a person's reference tax year is: (a) if the person has received a notice of assessment of his or her taxable income for the tax year immediately preceding the tax year in which the test time occurred-that immediately preceding tax year; or (b) otherwise-the tax year immediately preceding the tax year applicable under paragraph (a). (2) However, if the person has informed the Secretary in writing that the person wishes to have his or her entitlement to a seniors health card determined by reference to his or her adjusted taxable income for the tax year in which the test time occurred (the current tax year), the person's reference tax year is the current tax year. Adjusted taxable income 118ZZA-3 For the purposes of this Division, a person's adjusted taxable income for a particular tax year is the sum of the following amounts (income components): (a) the person's taxable income for that year; (b) the person's fringe benefits value for that year; (c) the person's target foreign income for that year; (d) the person's total net investment loss (within the meaning of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997) for that year. Note 1: For taxable income see point 118ZZA-4. Note 2: For fringe benefits value see point 118ZZA-5. Note 3: For target foreign income see point 118ZZA-6. Taxable income 118ZZA-4(1) In this Division: taxable income has the same meaning as in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. (2) For the purposes of this Division, a person's taxable income for a particular tax year is: (a) the person's assessed taxable income for that year; or (b) if the person does not have an assessed taxable income for that year-the person's accepted estimate of taxable income for that year. (3) For the purposes of this Division, a person's assessed taxable income for a particular tax year at a particular time is the most recent of: (a) if, at that time, the Commissioner of Taxation has made an assessment or an amended assessment of that taxable income-that taxable income according to the assessment or amended assessment; or (b) if, at that time, a tribunal has amended an assessment or an amended assessment made by the Commissioner-that taxable income according to the amendment made by the tribunal; or (c) if, at that time, a court has amended an assessment or an amended assessment made by the Commissioner or an amended assessment made by a tribunal-that taxable income according to the amendment made by the court. Fringe benefits value 118ZZA-5(1) For the purposes of this Division, a person's fringe benefits value for a particular tax year is the person's accepted estimate of the amount by which the total of the assessable fringe benefits received or to be received by the person in the tax year exceeds $1,000. (2) In this point: assessable fringe benefit has the meaning given by subsection 10A(2) of the Social Security Act 1991. (3) The value of an assessable fringe benefit is to be worked out in accordance with Part 3.12A of the Social Security Act 1991 except that references in that Part to the Minister and to the Secretary are to be taken to be references to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and to the Secretary to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, respectively. Target foreign income 118ZZA-6(1) In this Division: foreign income, in relation to a person, means: (a) an income amount earned, derived or received by the person from a source outside Australia for the person's own use or benefit; or (b) a periodical payment by way of gift or allowance from a source outside Australia; or (c) a periodical benefit by way of gift or allowance from a source outside Australia. target foreign income means foreign income that is not: (a) taxable income; or (b) received in the form of a fringe benefit. (2) For the purposes of this Division, a person's target foreign income for a particular tax year is the person's accepted estimate of the amount of that income for that year. Total net investment loss 118ZZA-7 For the purposes of this Division, a person's total net investment loss for a particular tax year is the person's accepted estimate of the amount of that loss for that year. Accepted estimate 118ZZA-8 For the purposes of this Division, a person's accepted estimate of an income component for a particular tax year is that income component according to the most recent notice given by the person to the Secretary under point 118ZZA-9 and accepted by the Commission for the purposes of this Part. Notice estimating income component 118ZZA-9(1) A person may give the Secretary a notice, in a form approved by the Commission, setting out the person's estimate of an income component of the person for a tax year. (2) The notice is to contain, or be accompanied by, such information as is required by the form to be contained in it or to accompany it, as the case may be. (3) The Commission is to accept a notice only if the Commission is satisfied that the estimate is reasonable. Adjusted taxable income of members of couples 118ZZA-10 If a person is a member of a couple, add the couple's adjusted taxable incomes for the reference tax year and divide by 2 to work out the amount of the person's adjusted taxable income for the reference tax year. Seniors health card income limit 118ZZA-11 A person's seniors health card income limit is worked out using the Seniors Health Card Income Limit Table. Work out which family situation in the table applies to the person. The person's seniors health card income limit is the corresponding amount in column 3 plus an additional corresponding amount in column 4 for each dependent child of the person. |Seniors Health Card Taxable Income Limit Table| |Column 1|Column 2 |Column 3 |Column 4 | | |Person's family |Amount |Additional| |Item |situation |per year |dependent | | | | |child | | | | |Amount per| | | | |year | |1 |Not member of |$50,000 |$639.60 | | |couple | | | |2 |Partnered |$40,000 |$639.60 | |3 |Member of |$50,000 |$639.60 | | |illness | | | | |separated couple| | | |4 |Member of |$50,000 |$639.60 | | |respite care | | | | |couple | | | Note 1: For member of couple and partnered, see section 5E. Note 2: For illness separated couple and respite care couple, see section 5R. Note 3: For dependent child, see section 5F. Part VIID-2006 one-off payment to older Australians 118ZZB 2006 one-off payment to older Australians Eligible if this section applies (1) A person is eligible for a 2006 one-off payment to older Australians if subsection (2) or (3) applies to the person. Eligible because of income support payments (2) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) the person has reached qualifying age within the meaning of subsection 118OA(2) on or before 9 May 2006; and (b) a service pension or an income support supplement was payable to the person in respect of a period that includes 9 May 2006; and (c) the pension or supplement was payable because of a claim the person made on or before 9 May 2006; and (d) on 9 May 2006, the person: (i) was in Australia; or (ii) was temporarily absent from Australia and had been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks. Eligible because eligible for seniors concession allowance (3) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) on 9 May 2006, the person was eligible for seniors concession allowance under section 118PA; or (b) both: (i) on or before 9 May 2006, the person made a claim for a seniors health card under Division 2 of Part VIIC and had not withdrawn that claim on or before 9 May 2006; and (ii) on 9 May 2006, the person either was eligible for the card or would have been so eligible but for being temporarily absent from Australia for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks. One one-off payment only (4) A person is entitled to one payment only under this section, regardless of how many times the person becomes eligible under this section. 118ZZC Amount of the one-off payment (1) The amount of the one-off payment under section 118ZZB to a person who is eligible for the payment because of subsection 118ZZB(2) is worked out using this table, having regard to the person's situation on 9 May 2006: |Amount of the 2006 one-off payment to older | |Australians | |Item |Person's situation on 9 May 2006 |Amount of | | | |payment | |1 |not a member of a couple |$102.80 | |2 |member of an illness separated |$102.80 | | |couple | | |3 |member of a respite care couple |$102.80 | |4 |member of a couple (other than an|$102.80 | | |illness separated couple or a | | | |respite care couple) the other | | | |member of which is not eligible | | | |for the one-off payment | | |5 |member of a couple (other than an|$51.40 | | |illness separated couple or a | | | |respite care couple) the other | | | |member of which is also eligible | | | |for the one-off payment | | (2) The amount of the one-off payment under section 118ZZB to a person who is eligible for the payment because of subsection 118ZZB(3) is $102.80. 118ZZD Claim not required for 2006 one-off payment to older Australians A claim is not required for 2006 one-off payment to older Australians. 118ZZE Payment of 2006 one-off payment to older Australians If an individual is eligible for a 2006 one-off payment to older Australians, the Commission must pay the payment to the individual in a single lump sum: (a) on the date that the Commission considers to be the earliest date on which it is reasonably practicable for the payment to be made; and (b) in such manner as the Commission considers appropriate. 118ZZF Debts arising in respect of 2006 one-off payment to older Australians (1) This section applies in relation to an individual who has been paid a 2006 one-off payment to older Australians (the relevant payment) under this Part. (2) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZB(2), a relevant determination is a determination made under Part III or Part IIIA because of which the pension or supplement referred to in paragraph 118ZZB(2)(b) was payable. (3) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZB(3) and because of holding or having held a seniors health card, a relevant determination is a determination made under this Act because of which the person became the holder of the card. (4) If: (a) after the relevant payment was made to the individual, a relevant determination in relation to the individual, at least so far as it relates to 9 May 2006 or to a period that includes that day, is or was (however described) changed, revoked, set aside, or superseded by another determination; and (b) the decision to change, revoke, set aside or supersede the relevant determination is or was made for the reason, or for reasons including the reason, that the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information; and (c) had the change, revocation, setting aside or superseding occurred on or before 9 May 2006, the relevant payment would not have been made; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (5) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZB(3) and because of having claimed a seniors health card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, in relation to the claim; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (6) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZB(3) and because of holding or having held a gold card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, that resulted (directly or indirectly) in the individual becoming the holder of the gold card; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (7) The other provisions of this Act under which debts arise do not apply in relation to payments to which this section applies. (8) A debt that arises under this section is a recoverable amount within the meaning of subsection 205(8). Part VIIE-2007 one-off payment to older Australians 118ZZG 2007 one-off payment to older Australians Eligible if this section applies (1) A person is eligible for a 2007 one-off payment to older Australians if subsection (2) or (3) applies to the person. Eligible because of income support payments (2) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) the person has reached qualifying age within the meaning of subsection 118OA(2) on or before 8 May 2007; and (b) a service pension or an income support supplement was payable to the person in respect of a period that includes 8 May 2007; and (c) the pension or supplement was payable because of a claim the person made on or before 8 May 2007; and (d) on 8 May 2007, the person: (i) was in Australia; or (ii) was temporarily absent from Australia and had been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks. Eligible because eligible for seniors concession allowance (3) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) on 8 May 2007, the person was eligible for seniors concession allowance under section 118PA; or (b) both: (i) on or before 8 May 2007, the person made a claim for a seniors health card under Division 2 of Part VIIC and had not withdrawn that claim on or before 8 May 2007; and (ii) on 8 May 2007, the person either was eligible for the card or would have been so eligible but for being temporarily absent from Australia for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks. One one-off payment only (4) A person is entitled to one payment only under this section, regardless of how many times the person becomes eligible under this section. 118ZZH Amount of the one-off payment The amount of the one-off payment under section 118ZZG is $500. 118ZZI Claim not required for 2007 one-off payment to older Australians A claim is not required for 2007 one-off payment to older Australians. 118ZZJ Payment of 2007 one-off payment to older Australians If an individual is eligible for a 2007 one-off payment to older Australians, the Commission must pay the payment to the individual in a single lump sum: (a) on the date that the Commission considers to be the earliest date on which it is reasonably practicable for the payment to be made; and (b) in such manner as the Commission considers appropriate. 118ZZK Debts arising in respect of 2007 one-off payment to older Australians (1) This section applies in relation to an individual who has been paid a 2007 one-off payment to older Australians (the relevant payment) under this Part. (2) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZG(2), a relevant determination is a determination made under Part III or Part IIIA because of which the pension or supplement referred to in paragraph 118ZZG(2)(b) was payable. (3) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZG(3) and because of holding or having held a seniors health card, a relevant determination is a determination made under this Act because of which the person became the holder of the card. (4) If: (a) after the relevant payment was made to the individual, a relevant determination in relation to the individual, at least so far as it relates to 8 May 2007 or to a period that includes that day, is or was (however described) changed, revoked, set aside, or superseded by another determination; and (b) the decision to change, revoke, set aside or supersede the relevant determination is or was made for the reason, or for reasons including the reason, that the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information; and (c) had the change, revocation, setting aside or superseding occurred on or before 8 May 2007, the relevant payment would not have been made; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (5) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZG(3) and because of having claimed a seniors health card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, in relation to the claim; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (6) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZG(3) and because of holding or having held a gold card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, that resulted (directly or indirectly) in the individual becoming the holder of the gold card; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (7) The other provisions of this Act under which debts arise do not apply in relation to payments to which this section applies. (8) A debt that arises under this section is a recoverable amount within the meaning of subsection 205(8). Part VIIF-2008 one-off payment to older Australians 118ZZL 2008 one-off payment to older Australians Eligible if this section applies (1) A person is eligible for a 2008 one-off payment to older Australians if subsection (2) or (3) applies to the person. Eligible because of income support payments (2) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) the person has reached qualifying age within the meaning of subsection 5Q(1) on or before 13 May 2008; and (b) a service pension or an income support supplement was payable to the person in respect of an instalment period that includes 13 May 2008; and (c) the pension or supplement was payable because of a claim the person made on or before 13 May 2008; and (d) on 13 May 2008, the person: (i) was in Australia; or (ii) was temporarily absent from Australia and had been so for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks. Eligible because eligible for seniors concession allowance (3) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) on 13 May 2008, the person was eligible for seniors concession allowance under section 118PA; or (b) both: (i) on or before 13 May 2008, the person made a claim for a seniors health card under Division 2 of Part VIIC and had not withdrawn that claim on or before 13 May 2008; and (ii) on 13 May 2008, the person either was eligible for the card or would have been so eligible but for being temporarily absent from Australia for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks. One one-off payment only (4) A person may receive one payment only under this section, regardless of how many times the person becomes eligible under this section. 118ZZM Amount of the one-off payment The amount of the one-off payment under section 118ZZL is $500. 118ZZN Claim not required for 2008 one-off payment to older Australians A claim is not required for 2008 one-off payment to older Australians. 118ZZO Payment of 2008 one-off payment to older Australians If an individual is eligible for a 2008 one-off payment to older Australians, the Commission must pay the payment to the individual in a single lump sum: (a) on the date that the Commission considers to be the earliest date on which it is reasonably practicable for the payment to be made; and (b) in such manner as the Commission considers appropriate. 118ZZP Debts arising in respect of 2008 one-off payment to older Australians (1) This section applies in relation to an individual who has been paid a 2008 one-off payment to older Australians (the relevant payment) under this Part. (2) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZL(2), a relevant determination is a determination made under Part III or Part IIIA because of which the pension or supplement referred to in paragraph 118ZZL(2)(b) was payable. (3) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZL(3) and because of holding or having held a seniors health card, a relevant determination is a determination made under this Act because of which the person became the holder of the card. (4) If: (a) after the relevant payment was made to the individual, a relevant determination in relation to the individual, at least so far as it relates to 13 May 2008 or to a period that includes that day, is or was (however described) changed, revoked, set aside or superseded by another determination; and (b) the decision to change, revoke, set aside or supersede the relevant determination is or was made for the reason, or for reasons including the reason, that the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information; and (c) had the change, revocation, setting aside or superseding occurred on or before 13 May 2008, the relevant payment would not have been made; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (5) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZL(3) and because of having claimed a seniors health card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, in relation to the claim; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (6) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZL(3) and because of holding or having held a gold card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, that resulted (directly or indirectly) in the individual becoming the holder of the gold card; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (7) The other provisions of this Act under which debts arise do not apply in relation to payments to which this section applies. (8) A debt that arises under this section is a recoverable amount within the meaning of subsection 205(8). Part VIIG-Economic security strategy payment 118ZZQ Eligibility for economic security strategy payment Eligible if this section applies (1) A person is eligible for an economic security strategy payment if subsection (2) or (3) applies to the person. Eligible for certain payments (2) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) one of the following payments was payable to the person in respect of 14 October 2008: (i) a service pension; (ii) an income support supplement; (iii) a carer service pension that is payable as a result of the operation of subclause 8(2) or (4) of Schedule 5; and (b) that payment was payable because of a claim the person made on or before 14 October 2008. Eligible for seniors concession allowance (3) This subsection applies to a person if: (a) on 14 October 2008, the person was eligible for seniors concession allowance under section 118PA; or (b) both: (i) on or before 14 October 2008, the person made a claim for a seniors health card under Division 2 of Part VIIC and had not withdrawn that claim on or before 14 October 2008; and (ii) on 14 October 2008, the person was eligible for the card. One payment under this section only (4) A person cannot receive more than one payment under this section, regardless of how many times the person becomes eligible under this section. 118ZZR Amount of economic security strategy payment The amount of a person's economic security strategy payment under section 118ZZQ is the amount, specified in column 3 of the following table, that corresponds to the family situation, specified in column 2 of the table, that applied to the person on 14 October 2008: |Amount of economic security strategy payment | |Item |Person's family situation on |Amount | | |14 October 2008 | | |1 |Not member of couple |$1,400.00 | |2 |Partnered |$1,050.00 | |3 |Member of illness separated |$1,400.00 | | |couple | | |4 |Member of respite care couple |$1,400.00 | 118ZZS Claim not required for economic security strategy payment A claim is not required for an economic security strategy payment. 118ZZT Payment of economic security strategy payment If an individual is eligible for economic security strategy payment, the Commission must pay the payment to the individual in a single lump sum: (a) on 8 December 2008, or on such later date that the Commission considers to be the earliest date on which it is reasonably practicable for the payment to be made; and (b) in such manner as the Commission considers appropriate. 118ZZU Debts arising in respect of economic security strategy payment (1) This section applies in relation to an individual who has been paid an economic security strategy payment (the relevant payment) under this Part. (2) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZQ(2), a relevant determination is a determination made under Part III or Part IIIA because of which the payment referred to in paragraph 118ZZQ(2)(a) was payable. (3) If the individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZQ(3) and because of holding or having held a seniors health card, a relevant determination is a determination made under this Act because of which the person became the holder of the card. (4) If: (a) after the relevant payment was made to the individual, a relevant determination in relation to the individual, at least so far as it relates to 14 October 2008 or to a period that includes that day, is or was (however described) changed, revoked, set aside or superseded by another determination; and (b) the decision to change, revoke, set aside or supersede the relevant determination is or was made for the reason, or for reasons including the reason, that the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information; and (c) had the change, revocation, setting aside or superseding occurred on or before 14 October 2008, the relevant payment would not have been made; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (5) If: (a) after the relevant payment was made to the individual, a relevant determination in relation to the individual, at least so far as it relates to 14 October 2008 or to a period that includes that day, is or was (however described) changed, revoked, set aside or superseded by another determination; and (b) the decision to change, revoke, set aside or supersede the relevant determination is or was made for the reason, or for reasons including the reason, that the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information; and (c) had the change, revocation, setting aside or superseding occurred on or before 14 October 2008, the relevant payment would have been reduced; the amount by which the relevant payment would have been reduced is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (6) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZQ(3) and because of having claimed a seniors health card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, in relation to the claim; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (7) If: (a) an individual was eligible for the relevant payment because of subsection 118ZZQ(3) and because of holding or having held a gold card; and (b) the individual knowingly made a false or misleading statement, or knowingly provided false information, that resulted (directly or indirectly) in the individual becoming the holder of the gold card; and (c) but for that statement or information, the relevant payment would not have been paid to the individual; the amount of the relevant payment is a debt due to the Commonwealth by the individual. (8) The other provisions of this Act under which debts arise do not apply in relation to payments to which this section applies. (9) A debt that arises under this section is a recoverable amount within the meaning of subsection 205(8). Part VIII-General provisions applicable to pensions etc. 119 Commission not bound by technicalities (1) In considering, hearing or determining, and in making a decision in relation to: (a) a claim or application; (b) a review, under Division 16 of Part IIIB, of a decision of the Commission with respect to a pension or qualifying service; (ba) a review, under Division 16 of Part IIIB, of a decision of the Commission under Part IIIAB (pension bonus and pension bonus bereavement payment); or (c) a review, under section 31, of a decision of the Commission with respect to a pension under Part II or IV or an attendant allowance under section 98; (d) the suspension or cancellation, under subsection 31(6), of a pension under Part II or IV or an attendant allowance under section 98, the decrease in the rate of such a pension or allowance under that subsection or the increase in the rate of such a pension or allowance under subsection 31(8); (da) a review, under Division 7 of Part IVA, of a decision of the Commission with respect to an advance payment of an amount of pension; (e) the suspension, cancellation or variation of a pension; or (ee) a review, under subsection 115(1), of a decision of the Commission in respect of an application for an allowance, payment or benefit specified in that subsection; the Commission: (f) is not bound to act in a formal manner and is not bound by any rules of evidence, but may inform itself on any matter in such manner as it thinks just; (g) shall act according to substantial justice and the substantial merits of the case, without regard to legal form and technicalities; and (h) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall take into account any difficulties that, for any reason, lie in the way of ascertaining the existence of any fact, matter, cause or circumstance, including any reason attributable to: (i) the effects of the passage of time, including the effect of the passage of time on the availability of witnesses; and (ii) the absence of, or a deficiency in, relevant official records, including an absence or deficiency resulting from the fact that an occurrence that happened during the service of a veteran, or of a member of the Defence Force or of a Peacekeeping Force, as defined by subsection 68(1), was not reported to the appropriate authorities. (2) In subsection (1): application means: (a) an application to increase the rate of: (i) a pension granted under Part II or IV; or (ii) a service pension granted under Part III; or (iii) income support supplement granted under Part IIIA; or (b) an application for a pension under Part II or IV made in accordance with subsection 15(2); or (c) an application to be provided with treatment under Part V; or (d) an application for an allowance, payment or benefit specified in subsection 111(1); or (e) an application under Part IIIAB for registration as a member of the pension bonus scheme. claim means: (a) a claim for a pension under Part II or IV; or (b) a claim for service pension or other benefit under Part III; or (c) a claim for a qualifying service determination under Part III; or (d) a claim for income support supplement under Part IIIA; or (e) a claim for a pension bonus or pension bonus bereavement payment under Part IIIAB. 120 Standard of proof (1) Where a claim under Part II for a pension in respect of the incapacity from injury or disease of a veteran, or of the death of a veteran, relates to the operational service rendered by the veteran, the Commission shall determine that the injury was a war- caused injury, that the disease was a war-caused disease or that the death of the veteran was war-caused, as the case may be, unless it is satisfied, beyond reasonable doubt, that there is no sufficient ground for making that determination. Note: This subsection is affected by section 120A. (2) Where a claim under Part IV: (a) in respect of the incapacity from injury or disease of a member of a Peacekeeping Force or of the death of such a member relates to the peacekeeping service rendered by the member; or (b) in respect of the incapacity from injury or disease of a member of the Forces, or of the death of such a member, relates to the hazardous service rendered by the member; the Commission shall determine that the injury was a defence-caused injury, that the disease was a defence-caused disease or that the death of the member was defence-caused, as the case may be, unless it is satisfied, beyond reasonable doubt, that there is no sufficient ground for making that determination. Note 1: For member of a Peacekeeping Force, peacekeeping service, member of the Forces and hazardous service see subsection 5Q(1A). Note 2: This subsection is affected by section 120A. (3) In applying subsection (1) or (2) in respect of the incapacity of a person from injury or disease, or in respect of the death of a person, related to service rendered by the person, the Commission shall be satisfied, beyond reasonable doubt, that there is no sufficient ground for determining: (a) that the injury was a war-caused injury or a defence-caused injury; (b) that the disease was a war-caused disease or a defence-caused disease; or (c) that the death was war-caused or defence-caused; as the case may be, if the Commission, after consideration of the whole of the material before it, is of the opinion that the material before it does not raise a reasonable hypothesis connecting the injury, disease or death with the circumstances of the particular service rendered by the person. Note: This subsection is affected by section 120A. (4) Except in making a determination to which subsection (1) or (2) applies, the Commission shall, in making any determination or decision in respect of a matter arising under this Act or the regulations, including the assessment or re-assessment of the rate of a pension granted under Part II or Part IV, decide the matter to its reasonable satisfaction. Note: This subsection is affected by section 120B. (5) Nothing in the provisions of this section, or in any other provision of this Act, shall entitle the Commission to presume that: (a) an injury suffered by a person is a war-caused injury or a defence-caused injury; (b) a disease contracted by a person is a war-caused disease or a defence-caused disease; (c) the death of a person is war-caused or defence-caused; or (d) a claimant or applicant is entitled to be granted a pension, allowance or other benefit under this Act. (6) Nothing in the provisions of this section, or in any other provision of this Act, shall be taken to impose on: (a) a claimant or applicant for a pension or increased pension, or for an allowance or other benefit, under this Act; or (b) the Commonwealth, the Department or any other person in relation to such a claim or application; any onus of proving any matter that is, or might be, relevant to the determination of the claim or application. (7) In this section: hazardous service means service in the Defence Force, before the MRCA commencement date, that is of a kind determined in writing by the Minister administering section 1 of the Defence Act 1903 to be hazardous service for the purposes of this section. 120A Reasonableness of hypothesis to be assessed by reference to Statement of Principles (1) This section applies to any of the following claims made on or after 1 June 1994: (a) a claim under Part II that relates to the operational service rendered by a veteran; (b) a claim under Part IV that relates to: (i) the peacekeeping service rendered by a member of a Peacekeeping Force; or (ii) the hazardous service rendered by a member of the Forces. Note 1: Subsections 120(1), (2) and (3) are relevant to these claims. Note 2: For peacekeeping service, member of a Peacekeeping Force, hazardous service and member of the Forces see subsection 5Q(1A). (2) If the Repatriation Medical Authority has given notice under section 196G that it intends to carry out an investigation in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, the Commission is not to determine a claim in respect of the incapacity of a person from an injury or disease of that kind, or in respect of a death of that kind, unless or until the Authority: (a) has determined a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(2) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) has declared that it does not propose to make such a Statement of Principles. (3) For the purposes of subsection 120(3), a hypothesis connecting an injury suffered by a person, a disease contracted by a person or the death of a person with the circumstances of any particular service rendered by the person is reasonable only if there is in force: (a) a Statement of Principles determined under subsection 196B(2) or (11); or (b) a determination of the Commission under subsection 180A(2); that upholds the hypothesis. Note: See subsection (4) about the application of this subsection. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a claim in respect of the incapacity from injury or disease, or the death, of a person if the Authority has neither determined a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(2), nor declared that it does not propose to make such a Statement of Principles, in respect of: (a) the kind of injury suffered by the person; or (b) the kind of disease contracted by the person; or (c) the kind of death met by the person; as the case may be. 120B Reasonable satisfaction to be assessed in certain cases by reference to Statement of Principles (1) This section applies to any of the following claims made on or after 1 June 1994: (a) a claim under Part II that relates to the eligible war service (other than operational service) rendered by a veteran; (b) a claim under Part IV that relates to the defence service (other than hazardous service) rendered by a member of the Forces. Note 1: Subsection 120(4) is relevant to these claims. Note 2: For hazardous service and member of the Forces see subsection 5Q(1A). (2) If the Repatriation Medical Authority has given notice under section 196G that it intends to carry out an investigation in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, the Commission is not to determine a claim in respect of the incapacity of a person from an injury or disease of that kind, or in respect of a death of that kind, unless or until the Authority: (a) has determined a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(3) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) has declared that it does not propose to make such a Statement of Principles. (3) In applying subsection 120(4) to determine a claim, the Commission is to be reasonably satisfied that an injury suffered by a person, a disease contracted by a person or the death of a person was war-caused or defence-caused only if: (a) the material before the Commission raises a connection between the injury, disease or death of the person and some particular service rendered by the person; and (b) there is in force: (i) a Statement of Principles determined under subsection 196B(3) or (12); or (ii) a determination of the Commission under subsection 180A(3); that upholds the contention that the injury, disease or death of the person is, on the balance of probabilities, connected with that service. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a claim in respect of the incapacity from injury or disease, or the death, of a person if the Authority has neither determined a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(3), nor declared that it does not propose to make such a Statement of Principles, in respect of: (a) the kind of injury suffered by the person; or (b) the kind of disease contracted by the person; or (c) the kind of death met by the person; as the case may be. 121 Instalments of pension (1) Pension is payable: (a) in arrears; and (b) by instalments relating to each pension period. (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the amount payable to a person as an instalment of pension in relation to a pension period is the total amount of pension payable to the person for the days in that period on which pension was payable to the person. (3) If a person who is receiving a pension is ineligible for payment in respect of the last day of a pension period, no amount is payable to the person as an instalment of pension in relation to the pension period. (4) If a person who is receiving a pension dies, no amount is payable to the person as an instalment of pension in relation to the pension period in which the person died. (5) An instalment of pension is payable on the next payday after the end of the pension period to which the instalment relates. (6) For the purpose of the calculation of the amount of an instalment of pension, the rate of pension payable to a person for a day is calculated by dividing the fortnightly rate of pension by 14. (6A) For a pension that is DFISA: (a) each instalment is to be rounded to the nearest cent (rounding half a cent upwards); and (b) subsections (3), (4) and (6) do not apply. (7) In this section: pension includes an allowance under this Act, other than Victoria Cross allowance under section 103, temporary incapacity allowance under section 107, loss of earnings allowance under section 108, utilities allowance under Part VIIAC or seniors concession allowance under Part VIIAD, but does not include a pension or allowance to which section 58A applies. 122 Payment of pension (1) Subject to subsection (2), a pension shall be paid to the pensioner. (2) Where the pensioner, by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T, requests the Commission to do so, the Commission may, in writing, approve payment of the pension to a person specified in the request for such period as is specified in the approval. (2A) A request lodged in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (3) The Commission shall not approve payment of the pension to the person specified in the request unless the Commission is satisfied that the person has agreed to receive payment as agent of the pensioner. (3A) Where a payment of pension is made to a person in accordance with an approval under subsection (2): (a) the payment shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a payment of the pension to the pensioner; (b) neither the Commonwealth nor the Commission is bound to oversee the application of the payment by the person; and (c) the person shall be taken to receive the payment as agent of the pensioner. (4) A pension shall be paid in such manner as the Commission determines. Note: for the procedure to be followed if the Commission determines that a person's pension is to be paid into an account with a bank see section 122A. (5) Where, by reason of a public holiday or a bank holiday or for any other reason, an instalment of, or the amount of, a pension cannot be paid on the day on which it would normally be paid, the instalment or amount of the pension may be paid on an earlier day. (6) In this section, pension means a pension, allowance or other pecuniary benefit payable under this Act, and includes an instalment of such a pension, allowance or other benefit. 122A Pension or allowance may be paid to bank etc. (1) The Commission may direct that the whole or a part of the amount of a pension is to be paid, at such intervals as it directs, to the credit of an account nominated from time to time by the pensioner, being an account maintained by the pensioner, either alone or jointly or in common with another person, with a bank, and payment is to be made accordingly. (1A) If the payment is of an amount of pension that is not seniors concession allowance and the person has not nominated an account for the purposes of subsection (1), the amount is not to be paid. (1B) If: (a) an amount has not been paid because of subsection (1A); and (b) the person nominates an account for the purposes of subsection (1); the amount is to be paid under subsection (1). (1C) If the payment is of an amount of seniors concession allowance and the person has not nominated an account for the purposes of subsection (1) by the end of the period of 28 days (or such longer period determined by the Commission) starting on the day on which the Commission requested the person to do so, the allowance ceases to be payable to the person. (1D) However, if the person referred to in subsection (1C) nominates an account for the purposes of subsection (1) after the end of the 28 day or other period, then subsection (1C) ceases to apply to the person on the day the person does so. (2) In this section: pension means a pension or allowance under this Act or DFISA bonus. pensioner means a person to whom a pension is payable, whether on his or her own behalf or on behalf of another person. 122B Direct deductions at person's request (1) This section applies if a person is receiving instalments of a pension, allowance or other pecuniary benefit payable under this Act of a class approved by the Commission for the purposes of this section. (2) The person may request the Commission to make deductions from the instalments for the purpose of making: (a) payments to the Commissioner of Taxation; or (b) payments in a class approved by the Commission for the purposes of this section. (3) The request must be in the form approved by the Commission for the purposes of this section. (4) If a request is made: (a) the Commission may make the requested deductions; and (b) if it does so-the Commission must pay the amounts deducted in accordance with the request. (5) The Commission may, for the purposes of this section, approve: (a) classes of pensions; and (b) classes of allowances; and (c) classes of pecuniary benefits; and (d) classes of payments. (6) An approval under subsection (5) is a legislative instrument. 122C Payment of DFISA outside Australia If DFISA is payable to a person who is physically outside Australia, then it may be paid: (a) in the manner determined by the Commission; and (b) in the instalments determined by the Commission. 122D Deductions of DFISA, DFISA bonus and DFISA bonus bereavement payment paid to Commissioner of Taxation Deductions from DFISA because of notice from the Commissioner of Taxation (1) The Commission must, in accordance with Subdivision 260-A in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953, for the purpose of enabling the collection of an amount that is, or may become, payable by a recipient of DFISA: (a) make deductions from instalments of DFISA payable to the recipient; and (b) pay the amount deducted to the Commissioner of Taxation. Deduction from DFISA bonus or DFISA bonus bereavement payment because of notice from the Commissioner of Taxation (2) The Commission must, in accordance with Subdivision 260-A in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953, for the purpose of enabling the collection of an amount that is, or may become, payable by a recipient of a DFISA bonus or DFISA bonus bereavement payment: (a) make a deduction from the bonus or payment payable to the recipient; and (b) pay the amount deducted to the Commissioner of Taxation. Deduction from DFISA bonus or DFISA bonus bereavement payment because of recipient's request to do so (4) The Commission may make a deduction from a DFISA bonus or DFISA bonus bereavement payment payable to a person if the person, by document lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T, requests the Commission: (a) to make the deduction; and (b) to pay the amount to be deducted to the Commissioner of Taxation. The Commission must pay to the Commissioner of Taxation an amount deducted under this subsection. 122E Deductions of DFISA paid to Child Support Registrar The Commission must, in accordance with a notice given under section 72AC of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988, for the purpose of enabling the collection of an amount that is, or may become, payable by a recipient of DFISA: (a) make deductions from instalments of DFISA payable to the recipient; and (b) pay the amount deducted to the Child Support Registrar. 123 Interpretation (1) In this section and sections 123A to 123E (inclusive): applicable sections means this section and sections 123A to 123E (inclusive). child, in relation to a person who has died (in this definition called the deceased), means: (a) a person who is a child of the deceased within the meaning of section 10; (b) a person of whom the deceased was the father or mother; or (c) a person who was adopted by the deceased or by the deceased and the deceased's partner or non-illness separated spouse. parent, in relation to a person who has died, means someone whose child the person was. sibling, in relation to a person who has died, means someone who was a sister, half-sister, brother or half-brother of the person. waiting period, in relation to a person, means the period of 12 months commencing on: (a) if subparagraph 123A(2)(c)(i) applies to the person-the death of the person; or (b) if subparagraph 123A(2)(c)(ii) applies to the person-the date of the grant of the claim. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of the definition of child in subsection (1), a person shall be taken to be a child even though the person is in receipt of a pension, benefit or allowance of a kind referred to in the definition of child in subsection 5F(1). (3) A reference in the applicable sections to an executor of a will includes a reference to: (a) an executor of the will by representation; and (b) if probate of the will has been granted and a person has subsequently been granted administration of the unadministered assets covered by the will-that person. (4) A reference in the applicable sections to the person to whom a grant of letters of administration with a will annexed has been made includes a reference to a person who has subsequently been granted administration of the unadministered assets covered by the will. (5) A reference in the applicable sections, in relation to an approval of a payment, to a person who is known is a reference to a person: (a) who is alive at the time of the approval; and (b) whose existence and whereabouts are known to the Commission at that time. Note: Sections 123 to 123E do not apply if Subdivision C of Division 12A of Part IIIB applies. 123A Payment of pension etc. on death of person (1) The objects of the applicable sections are: (a) to ensure that moneys payable under this Act to a person who has died are paid out as promptly as possible; (b) to pay those moneys, so far as is consistent with paragraph (a), in accordance with the person's will; (c) to ensure that not more than $20,000, or the amount prescribed for the purposes of subsection 123B(6), is paid out without probate of the will having been obtained or letters of administration with the will annexed having been granted; and (d) to ensure that, in the event of intestacy, the payment of those moneys is made on principles that are uniform throughout Australia. (2) Where: (a) a person (in the applicable sections called the deceased) dies; (b) an amount (in the applicable sections called the distributable amount) of a pension, allowance or other pecuniary benefit is payable under this Act to the deceased; and (c) the distributable amount: (i) has accrued, and was unpaid, on the deceased's death; or (ii) has become payable after the deceased's death in respect of a period or event before that death by reason of the grant, after that death, of a claim for the pension, allowance or benefit made before that death; the Commission shall deal with the distributable amount in accordance with the applicable sections and the distributable amount shall not, subject to subsections 123B(2) and (3), form part of the deceased's estate. (3) Where an amount is paid in accordance with an approval given under the applicable sections, the Commonwealth is not liable to any action, claim or demand for payment in respect of that amount. Note: Sections 123 to 123E do not apply if Subdivision C of Division 12A of Part IIIB applies. 123B Distribution where deceased leaves valid will (1) This section applies where the Commission is satisfied that: (a) the deceased left a valid will; and (b) but for the applicable sections, the will would dispose of the deceased's right to the distributable amount (either expressly or as part of the residue of the deceased's estate). (2) Where this section applies and the Commission is satisfied that the will appointed an executor or executors, the Commission may, subject to subsection (6), approve payment of the whole or part of that amount to an executor of the will. (3) Where this section applies and the Commission is satisfied that: (a) no-one is executor of the will; and (b) a person has applied for and obtained a grant of letters of administration with the will annexed; the Commission may approve payment of the whole or part of that amount to the person to whom the grant was made. (4) Where this section applies and the Commission is satisfied that: (a) no-one is executor of the will; (b) letters of administration with the will annexed have not been applied for or granted; and (c) distribution of the whole or part of the distributable amount in accordance with the statutory order referred to in section 123D would not be inconsistent with the terms of the will; the Commission may, subject to subsection (6), approve payment of the whole or part of that amount in accordance with the statutory order. (5) Where this section applies and the Commission is satisfied that: (a) no-one is executor of the will; and (b) the waiting period has elapsed without an application for letters of administration with the will annexed having been made; the Commission may, subject to subsection (6), approve payment of the whole or part of that amount in accordance with the statutory order referred to in section 123D. (6) If probate of the will has not been obtained and letters of administration with the will annexed have not been granted, the Commission shall not approve a payment or payments under subsection (2), (4) or (5) in respect of the deceased if the amount of the payment, or the sum of the amounts of the payments made under those subsections, would exceed $20,000 or such higher amount as is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection. Note: Sections 123 to 123E do not apply if Subdivision C of Division 12A of Part IIIB applies. 123C Intestacy Where the Commission is satisfied that: (a) the deceased did not leave a valid will; or (b) the deceased left a valid will but, even if the applicable sections did not apply to the amount, the will would not dispose of the deceased's right to the distributable amount (either expressly or as part of the residue of the deceased's estate); the Commission may approve payment of the whole or part of that amount in accordance with the statutory order referred to in section 123D. Note: Sections 123 to 123E do not apply if Subdivision C of Division 12A of Part IIIB applies. 123D Statutory order of distribution (1) Distribution of an amount in respect of the deceased in accordance with the statutory order shall, subject to subsections (2) and (3), be made to: (a) the known widow or widower of the deceased or the known widows or widowers of the deceased in equal shares; (b) if there is no known widow or widower of the deceased-the known child of the deceased or the known children of the deceased in equal shares; (c) if there is no known widow or widower of the deceased and no known child of the deceased-the known parent of the deceased or the known parents of the deceased in equal shares; or (d) if there is no known widow or widower of the deceased, no known child of the deceased and no known parent of the deceased-the known sibling of the deceased or the known siblings of the deceased in equal shares. (2) Where: (a) a child (in this subsection called the beneficiary) of the deceased predeceases the deceased or dies before the approval of a payment under the applicable sections; and (b) there is a known child of the beneficiary or there are known children of the beneficiary; the amount that would have been paid to the beneficiary had the beneficiary been alive at the time of approval shall be distributed to the child or to those children in equal shares. (3) Where: (a) a sibling of the deceased predeceases the deceased or dies before the approval of a payment under the applicable sections; and (b) there is a known child of the sibling or there are known children of the sibling; the amount that would have been paid to the sibling had the sibling been alive at the time of approval shall be distributed to that child or to those children in equal shares. Note: Sections 123 to 123E do not apply if Subdivision C of Division 12A of Part IIIB applies. 123E Non-distributable amounts Where the Commission determines in writing that it is not possible to pay the whole or part of the distributable amount in accordance with sections 123B and 123C, that amount or that part of that amount ceases to be payable to the deceased. Note: Sections 123 to 123E do not apply if Subdivision C of Division 12A of Part IIIB applies. 124 Termination of pension (1) Where a veteran or a dependant of a veteran has requested the Commission, in writing, to cancel a pension payable under Part II or IV, or an allowance under Part VI, the Commission may cancel the pension or allowance. (2) Where a veteran or a dependant of a veteran has, for a continuous period of not less than 6 months, failed to draw instalments of a pension granted to the veteran or dependant under Part II or IV, or of an allowance under Part VI, the Commission may suspend or cancel the pension or allowance. (3) Where the Commission suspends a pension or allowance under subsection (2), it may, at any time, terminate the suspension from the date as from which the pension or allowance was suspended or such later date as the Commission deems proper. (4) Where: (a) a person in receipt of a pension under Part II or IV notifies the occurrence of an event or change of circumstances in accordance with a notice under subsection 127(1); and (b) by reason of the occurrence of that event or change of circumstances, the person ceases to be eligible to receive that pension; that pension ceases to be payable to the person as from the day after the last day on which the person could, in accordance with that notice, have notified the occurrence of that event or change of circumstances. (5) Where: (a) a person who is in receipt of a pension under Part II or IV is required to notify the occurrence of an event or a change in circumstances in accordance with a notice under subsection 127(1); (b) the person does not notify the occurrence of that event or that change in circumstances within the period specified in the notice; and (c) by reason of the occurrence of that event or that change in circumstances: (i) the person ceases to be eligible to receive that pension; or (ii) that pension is payable to the person at a lower rate; that pension ceases to be payable to the person, or becomes payable to the person at the lower rate, as the case may be, as from the day after the day on which that event or that change in circumstances occurred. (6) In this section: (b) a reference to a veteran shall be read as including a reference to a person who is a member of the Forces, or a member of a Peacekeeping Force, as defined by subsection 68(1). 125 Pensions etc. absolutely inalienable Subject to this Act and Parts 3B and 3C of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, a pension, allowance or other pecuniary benefit under this Act is absolutely inalienable, whether by way of, or in consequence of, sale, assignment, charge, execution, bankruptcy or otherwise. 126 Death of claimant (1) On the death of a claimant, the claim does not lapse in respect of any period before the death of the claimant, but the legal personal representative of the claimant, or a person approved by the Commission, may take such action in respect of the claim as the claimant could have taken if the claimant had not died and, for that purpose, the legal personal representative or person so approved shall be treated as the claimant. (2) On the death of a pensioner, the legal personal representative of the pensioner, or a person approved by the Commission, may take such action in respect of a variation of, or the suspension or cancellation of, the pensioner's pension effected before the death of the pensioner, or effected after the death of the pensioner as from a date before the death of the pensioner, as the pensioner could have taken if he or she had not died and, for that purpose, the legal personal representative or person so approved shall be treated as the pensioner. (3) If there is a legal personal representative of a deceased claimant or deceased pensioner, the Commission shall not approve a person for the purpose of subsection (1) or (2) unless it is satisfied that: (a) the person has notified the legal personal representative of the deceased claimant, or deceased pensioner, that the legal personal representative has, or may have, a right under subsection (1) or (2), as the case may be; and (b) the legal personal representative has refused, or failed within a reasonable time after having been so notified, to take any action in respect of the claim or pension, as the case may be. (4) In this section, claim means a claim in accordance with section 14, 35B, 36D, 37D, 38D, 39D or 45I, an application in accordance with section 15, and an application for review under Division 16 of Part IIIB, section 135 or 175, and claimant has a corresponding meaning. 126A Death of a person who has not made a formal claim etc. (1) If a deceased person has made a claim for a pension under Part II or IV in writing, but otherwise than in accordance with a form approved for the purposes of paragraph 14(3)(a), an authorised representative of the deceased person may make a claim for the pension in accordance with such a form. (2) If a deceased person has made a claim for a pension under Part III or IIIA in writing, but otherwise than in accordance with the form approved for the purpose under paragraph 35D(b), 36F(b), 37F(b), 38F(b), 39F(b) or 45K(b) (as the case requires), an authorised representative of the deceased person may make a claim for the pension in accordance with that form. (3) If a deceased person has made an application of a kind referred to in subsection 15(1) or (2) in writing, but otherwise than in accordance with a form approved for the purposes of paragraph 15(3)(a), an authorised representative of the deceased person may make an application of that kind in accordance with such a form. (4) A person who, pursuant to subsection (1), (2) or (3), makes a claim for a pension under Part II, III, IIIA or IV, or an application of a kind referred to in subsection 15(1) or (2): (a) take such action in relation to the claim or application as the deceased person could have taken if he or she had made the claim or application and had not died; and (b) the purposes of taking such action, shall be treated as if he or she were the deceased person. (5) The Commission may authorise a person to take action under this section in relation to a deceased person if: (a) there is no legal personal representative of the deceased person; or (b) the Commission is satisfied that: (i) person has notified the legal personal representative of the deceased person that the legal personal representative has, or may have, a right under this section to make a claim or application; and (ii) legal personal representative has refused, or failed within a reasonable time after having been so notified, to make the claim or application. (6) In this section: authorised representative, in relation to a deceased person, means: (a) the legal personal representative of the deceased person; or (b) a person authorised by the Commission in accordance with subsection (5) to take action under this section in relation to the deceased person. 127 Power to obtain information (1) The Secretary may serve on: (a) a person to whom a pension, allowance or other benefit under this Act is being paid, including a person to whom the whole or a part of such a pension, allowance or benefit is being paid for the purpose of being applied for the benefit of the pensioner; (b) a person whose claim or application for a pension, attendant allowance or recreation transport allowance under this Act is under consideration by the Commission, the Board or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal; (c) a person who is being provided with treatment under Part V; or (d) a person whose application to be provided with treatment under Part V is under consideration by the Commission; a notice, in writing: (e) if: (i) an event or change of circumstances specified in the notice occurs; or (ii) the person becomes aware that an event or change of circumstances so specified is likely to occur; requiring the person to notify the Department, or an officer specified in the notice, of the occurrence or likely occurrence of that event or change of circumstances: (iii) subject to subsection (2A)-in the manner specified in the notice; and (iv) within such period after the occurrence of that event or change of circumstances, or after the person becomes so aware, as the case may be, as is specified in the notice; or (f) requiring the person to give to the Department, or to an officer specified in the notice, a statement, in accordance with a form approved by the Commission: (i) subject to subsection (2A)-in the manner specified in the notice; and (ii) within the period specified in the notice; relating to any matter specified in the notice that might affect the payment to that person of the pension, allowance or other pecuniary benefit under this Act, or the provision of treatment under Part V. (2) An event or change of circumstances shall not be specified in a notice referred to in paragraph (1)(e) unless the occurrence of that event or change of circumstances might affect the payment of a pension, allowance or other pecuniary benefit under this Act or the provision of treatment under Part V. (2A) A document lodged as a consequence of a notice under subsection (1) that either: (a) requires a person to inform the Department in writing of the occurrence or likely occurrence of an event or change of circumstances specified in the notice; or (b) requires the person to give the Department a statement relating to a matter referred to in paragraph (1)(f) that is specified in the notice; is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been lodged on a day determined under that section. (3) The period for compliance specified in a notice in accordance with subsection (1) shall not be less than 14 days. (3A) A notice under subsection (1) may specify an event or change of circumstances by referring to an event or change of circumstance set out in a document referred to in the notice (being a document a copy of which is served on the person with the notice) and, if the notice does so, the event or change of circumstances shall be deemed, for the purposes of this section, to be specified in the notice. (3B) Where a notice under subsection (1) specifies an event or change of circumstances by referring to an event or change of circumstances set out in a document, it may specify the period within which notification of the occurrence, or likely occurrence, of the event or change of circumstances is to be furnished to the Department by reference to the period set out in that document in respect of that event or change of circumstances and, if the notice does so, the period shall be deemed, for the purposes of this section, to be specified in the notice. (4) A person who has been given a notice under subsection (1) must not fail to comply with the notice. Penalty: $1,000 or imprisonment for 6 months, or both. (5) An offence under subsection (4) is an offence of strict liability. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code. (6) Subsection (4) does not apply to the extent that the person is not capable of complying with the notice. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (6). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. 128 Secretary may obtain information etc. (1) The Secretary may, for the purposes of this Act, by notice in writing given to a person (including a person employed in or in connection with a Department of the Government of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a Territory or by any authority of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory), require the person: (a) to: (i) provide the Department, or an officer specified in the notice, with such information as the Secretary requires; or (ii) produce to the Department, or to an officer so specified, any documents in the custody or under the control of the person; within the period (not being less than 14 days after the notice is given) and in the manner specified in the notice; or (b) to appear before an officer specified in the notice at such reasonable time (not being a time earlier than 14 days after the notice is given) and place as are specified in the notice to answer questions. (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Secretary may: (a) by notice in writing given to a person who is indebted to the Commonwealth under or as a result of this Act, require the person: (i) to provide the Department, or an officer specified in the notice, within the period specified in the notice (not being less that 14 days after the notice is given), with such information concerning the person's financial situation as is required by the notice or to produce to the Department, or to an officer so specified, within that period, such documents concerning that situation as are so specified; and (ii) if the person's address changes, to notify the Department or an officer so specified, within 14 days of the change, of the new address; or (b) by notice in writing given to a person who the Secretary believes may have information concerning the whereabouts of a person who is indebted to the Commonwealth under or as a result of this Act or the financial situation of such a person, require the person to provide the Department, or an officer specified in the notice, within the period specified in the notice (not being less than 14 days after the notice is given), with such information concerning those matters as is required by the notice or to produce to the Department, or to an officer so specified, within that period, such documents concerning those matters as are specified in the notice. (2AA) A document lodged as a consequence: (a) of a notice issued under subsection (1) requiring a person to provide the Department, in writing, with such information as the Secretary specifies in the notice; or (b) of a notice issued under paragraph (2)(a) requiring a person to provide the Department with such written information concerning the person's financial situation as is required by that notice; or (c) of a notice under paragraph (2)(b) requiring a person to provide the Department, in writing, with such information concerning the whereabouts or financial situation of a person indebted to the Commonwealth as is specified in the notice; is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been lodged on a day determined under that section. (2A) The Secretary may require the information or answers to questions under this section to be verified or given, as the case may be, on oath or affirmation, and either orally or in writing, and for that purpose the Secretary or an officer to whom information or answers are verified or given may administer an oath or affirmation. (3) The oath or affirmation to be taken by a person for the purposes of this section is an oath or affirmation that the evidence the person will give will be true. (4) A person must not fail to comply with a notice under subsection (1). Penalty: $1,000 or imprisonment for 6 months, or both. (4A) An offence under subsection (4) is an offence of strict liability. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code. (4B) Subsection (4) does not apply to the extent that the person is not capable of complying with the notice. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4B). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. (5) A person shall not, in purported compliance with a notice under subsection (1), intentionally furnish information or give evidence that is false or misleading in a material particular. Penalty: $2,000 or imprisonment for 12 months, or both. (6) This section binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory, of the Northern Territory and of Norfolk Island. (7) This section does not require a person to furnish information, produce a document or give evidence to the extent that, in doing so, the person would contravene a law of the Commonwealth (not being a law of a Territory). 128A Provision of tax file numbers (1) In this section: income payment means: (a) a pension under Part II, III, IIIA or IV; or (b) a temporary incapacity allowance under section 107; or (c) a loss of earnings allowance under section 108; or (d) an allowance (other than utilities allowance or seniors concession allowance) under this Act payable to a person in receipt of a pension referred to in paragraph (a). TFN declaration has the same meaning as in Part VA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. (2) An income payment, or an allowance under a scheme within the meaning of Part VII, that a person (the eligible person) is eligible to receive is not to be paid to the person if the person fails to comply with the request in subsection (3) or (3A) (whichever applies). (2A) If a person (the eligible person) is eligible for a seniors health card under section 118V, the Commission must not determine that the person is entitled to the card if the person fails to comply with a request in subsection (3) or (3A) (whichever applies). (2B) If a person (the eligible person) is the holder of a seniors health card, the Commission is to determine that the person ceases to be entitled to the card if the person fails to comply with a request in subsection (3) or (3A) (whichever applies). Note 1: For holder of a seniors health card see section 5PB. Note 2: For the date of effect of a determination under this subsection see section 118ZR. (3) If an eligible person is in Australia, the Secretary may request but not compel the person: (a) if the person has a tax file number-to give the Secretary a written statement of the person's tax file number; or (b) if the person does not have a tax file number: (i) to apply to the Commissioner of Taxation for a tax file number; and (ii) to give the Secretary a written statement of the person's tax file number after the Commissioner of Taxation has issued it. (3A) If an eligible person has a partner or non-illness separated spouse and the partner or spouse is in Australia, the Secretary may request but not compel the person: (a) if the partner or spouse has a tax file number-to give the Secretary a written statement of the partner's or spouse's tax file number; or (b) if the partner or spouse does not have a tax file number-to give the Secretary a written statement of the partner's or spouse's tax file number after the Commissioner of Taxation has issued it. (3B) If: (a) a person's income payment ceases to be paid because the person fails to comply with subsection (3) or (3A) by a particular day; and (b) subsection (3) or (3A) is satisfied in relation to the person's tax file number within the 3 month period that starts on that day; then the income payment that would have been paid to the person during that period if the person had complied with the request in subsection (3) or (3A) is to be paid to the person. (3C) If subsection (3) or (3A) is satisfied in relation to the person's tax file number after the 3 month period has ended the person's income payment is to be paid from the day on which subsection (3) or (3A) is satisfied. (4) The request in subsection (3) or (3A) (whichever applies) in relation to a person's tax file number is satisfied if: (a) the Secretary is given: (i) where the person is the eligible person and the pension or allowance is assessable income for the purposes of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 or the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997-a TFN declaration by the person; or (ii) in any other case-a declaration by the person in a form approved by the Secretary; and (b) the declaration states either: (i) that the person has a tax file number but does not know what it is and has asked the Commissioner of Taxation to inform him or her of the number; or (ii) that the person has applied for a tax file number; and (c) where subparagraph (b)(i) applies-the person has given the Secretary a document authorising the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary: (i) whether the person has a tax file number; and (ii) if so-the tax file number; and (d) where subparagraph (b)(ii) applies-the person has given the Secretary a document authorising the Commissioner of Taxation to tell the Secretary: (i) if a tax file number is issued to the person-the tax file number; or (ii) if the application is refused-that the application has been refused; or (iii) if the application is withdrawn-that the application has been withdrawn; and (e) the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that the person has no tax file number or that an application by the person for a tax file number has been refused; and (f) if subparagraph (b)(ii) applies-the Commissioner of Taxation has not told the Secretary that: (i) the application for a tax file number has been withdrawn; or (ii) the person has not applied for a tax file number. (5) The Secretary may waive the requirement for a statement of the tax file number of the person's partner or non-illness separated spouse if satisfied that the person: (a) does not know that number; and (b) can obtain none of the following from the partner or non- illness separated spouse: (i) that number; (ii) a statement of that number; (iii) a declaration by the partner or non-illness separated spouse under paragraph (4)(a). 129 Self-incrimination A person is not excused from furnishing information, producing a document or giving evidence in pursuance of a notice under section 128 on the ground that the information or evidence, or the production of the document, may tend to incriminate the person, but any information furnished, evidence given or document produced in pursuance of a notice under section 128 is not admissible in evidence against the person in any criminal proceedings, other than proceedings for an offence against subsection 128(4) or (5). 130 Furnishing of information (1) Nothing in a law of a State or of a Territory shall operate so as to prevent a person from furnishing any information, producing any documents, or giving any evidence to an officer for the purposes of this Act. (2) The Secretary or another officer of the Department may provide any information obtained in the performance of his or her duties under this Act (whether before or after the commencement of this subsection) to the Secretary of another Department of State of the Commonwealth or to the head of an authority of the Commonwealth for the purposes of that Department or authority. 131 Interpretation In sections 127 to 130 (inclusive), unless the contrary intention appears: officer means a person performing duties, or exercising powers or functions, under, or in relation to, this Act. person includes an unincorporated body. 132 Payment of travelling expenses in certain cases (1) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, where: (a) a claimant; or (b) a person likely to be affected by a review under section 31; travels: (c) within Australia, for the purpose of attending, at the request of the Commission or a delegate of the Commission, before the Commission or such a delegate for a discussion in relation to the claim or review; or (d) within or outside Australia, for the purpose of attending, at the request of the Secretary or the Commission, for a medical examination or medical investigation related to the claim or review; he or she is entitled to receive such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (2) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, an attendant who travels in Australia for the purpose of accompanying a claimant or person likely to be affected by a review under section 31 to a discussion, or for a medical examination or a medical investigation referred to in subsection (1) of this section, is entitled to be paid such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (3) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, a person summoned under section 32 or 57F to give evidence or produce documents, or both, is entitled to receive such travelling expenses in connection with his or her travel to give that evidence or produce those documents, or both, as are prescribed. (4) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, an attendant who travels in Australia for the purpose of accompanying a person referred to in subsection (3) when that person gives evidence or produces documents, or both, in pursuance of a summons under section 32 or 57F is entitled to be paid such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (5) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, an applicant for a review under section 135 is entitled, if the applicant travels in Australia for the purpose of attending a hearing of the review by the Board, to receive such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (6) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, an attendant who travels in Australia for the purpose of accompanying an applicant referred to in subsection (5) to a hearing of a review is entitled to be paid such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (7) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, where: (a) the party (not being the Commission) to proceedings for a review of a reviewable decision who made application for the review under section 175; or (b) if the Commission made application for the review-the other party to the proceedings for the review whose interests are affected by the reviewable decision; travels within Australia for the purpose of attending before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in connection with the review, the party is entitled to receive such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (8) Subject to such conditions as are prescribed, an attendant who travels within Australia for the purpose of accompanying a party referred to in subsection (7) on an attendance before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal referred to in that subsection is entitled to be paid such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (9) Where a claim for a pension: (a) is made on behalf of the claimant: (i) by a person who is a dependant of the claimant; or (ii) by a person approved under paragraph 16(b), (c) or (d) to make the claim on behalf of the claimant; or (b) is prosecuted by a person who is the legal personal representative of the claimant, or by a person approved under section 126, following the death of the claimant; and that person travels within Australia with the approval of the Commission for the purpose of: (c) an investigation, by the Department or the Commission, of the claim; or (d) attending at a hearing of a review of a decision, in respect of the claim, of the Commission by the Board; the person is, subject to such conditions as are prescribed, entitled to be paid such travelling expenses in connection with that travel as are prescribed. (10) Travelling expenses to which a person is entitled to under this section are payable by the Commonwealth. (11) Where a person who has travelled in Australia is entitled to be paid travelling expenses under this section in connection with that travel, application for payment of travelling expenses in respect of that travel: (a) may be made: (i) by that person; or (ii) with the approval of that person or, if that person is, by reason of physical or mental ailment or of that person's death, unable to approve a person to make the application on his or her behalf, with the approval of the Commission, by another person on behalf of that person; (b) shall be made in writing and in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; (c) shall be accompanied by such evidence available to the applicant as the applicant considers may be relevant to the application; (d) is to be lodged in accordance with subsection (11A); and (e) shall be made within 3 months after the completion of that travel, and not otherwise. (11A) An application: (a) unless it is an application to which paragraph (b) applies-must be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T; and (b) if it is an application in respect of travel referred to in subsection (5) or (6)-must either: (i) be communicated to the Board in accordance with the directions of the Principal Member given under subsection 148(5); or (ii) be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (11B) If an application is communicated to the Board in accordance with the directions of the Principal Member given under subsection 148(5), it is taken to have been made on a day determined in accordance with those directions. (11C) If an application is lodged with an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T, it is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (12) In this section claim means a claim in accordance with section 14, 35B, 36D, 37D, 38D or 45I, an application in accordance with section 15 and an application for a review under Division 16 of Part IIIB, section 115 or 135 and claimant has a corresponding meaning. 132A Advance of travelling expenses (1) Where the Commission is satisfied: (a) that a person may reasonably be expected to become entitled to be paid travelling expenses under subsection 132(5) or (6) or under subsection 132(9) by virtue of paragraph (d) of that subsection; and (b) that it is in all the circumstances appropriate for the person to be paid an advance on account of the travelling expenses that the person is expected to become entitled to be paid; the Commission may authorise a payment to the person of an advance on account of the travelling expenses that the person is expected to become entitled to be paid. (2) If the amount of the advance paid to a person on account of any travelling expenses in respect of any travel of the person exceeds the amount of travelling expenses that become payable to the person in respect of that travel, the person is liable to repay an amount equal to the excess to the Commonwealth. Part IX-Veterans' Review Board Division 1-Preliminary 133 Interpretation In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears: applicant means a person who makes an application. application means an application under this Part to the Board for a review of a decision of the Commission. member means the Principal Member, a Senior Member or another member of the Board. pension means pension under Part II or IV. Principal Member means the Principal Member of the Board. relevant documentary medical evidence, in relation to an application made in respect of a veteran or a deceased veteran, means certificates, reports or other documents from: (a) a medical practitioner; or (b) a hospital, or similar institution, in which the veteran or deceased veteran received medical treatment; about a medical condition of the veteran or deceased veteran and reasonably used in support of the application. review means a review of a decision. Senior Member means a Senior Member of the Board. Services member means a member who, on the occasion of his or her appointment, or on any occasion of his or her re-appointment, as a member, was a person selected from lists submitted in accordance with a request made under subsection 158(3). veteran means: (a) a veteran as defined by subsection 5(1); or (b) a member of the Forces or a member of a Peacekeeping Force, as defined by subsection 68(1). Division 2-Continuance of Veterans' Review Board 134 Continuance of Veterans' Review Board (1) The Veterans' Review Board, being the Board established by section 107VB of the Repatriation Act 1920, is continued in existence. (2) The Board consists of a Principal Member and such number of Senior Members, and such number of other members, as are appointed in accordance with this Act. Division 3-Review by the Board of decisions 135 Review of decisions in respect of pensions and attendant allowances (1) Where a person: (a) who has made a claim for a pension in accordance with section 14; (b) who has made application for a pension, or for an increased pension, in accordance with section 15; or (c) who has made an application for attendant allowance under section 98; is dissatisfied with any decision of the Commission in respect of the claim or application (including a decision under section 20 or 21 approving a date from which payment of a pension, or payment of a pension at a higher rate, may be made, but not being a decision under subsection 19A(1)), the person may, subject to this Act, make application to the Board for a review of the decision of the Commission. (2) Where the Commission, upon a review under section 31 of a decision in relation to a pension or attendant allowance, has made a further decision: (a) revoking that decision; or (b) revoking that decision and substituting a new decision; or (c) varying that decision; the veteran, or the dependant of a deceased veteran, as the case may be, affected by that further decision may make application to the Board for a review: (d) of the further decision of the Commission revoking that previous decision; or (e) of the new decision of the Commission that was substituted for that previous decision; or (f) of that previous decision as varied by the further decision of the Commission. (3) Where the Commission makes a determination: (a) under subsection 31(6) cancelling or suspending, or decreasing the rate of, a pension or attendant allowance; (b) under subsection 31(8) increasing the rate of a pension or attendant allowance; or (c) under subsection 31(9) fixing the date of re-commencement of a pension or attendant allowance that has been suspended; the veteran, or the dependant of a veteran, as the case may be, affected by that determination may make application to the Board for a review of that decision of the Commission to cancel or suspend that pension or attendant allowance, to decrease or increase the rate of that pension or attendant allowance or fixing the date of re-commencement of that pension or attendant allowance that has been suspended, as the case may be. (4) Subject to subsections (5) and (5A), an application under subsection (1) or (2) to the Board to review a decision of the Commission may be made within 12 months after service on the person to whom the decision relates of a copy of that decision in accordance with subsection 34(2), but not otherwise. (5) An application under subsection (1), (2) or (3) to the Board to review a decision of the Commission: (a) assessing a rate of pension or increased rate of pension; (b) refusing to grant a pension on the ground that the extent of the incapacity of the veteran is insufficient to justify the grant of a pension; (c) refusing to increase the rate of a pension; (d) reducing the rate of a pension; or (e) cancelling or suspending a pension, or fixing the date of re- commencement of a pension that has been suspended; may be made within 3 months after service on the person to whom the decision relates of a copy of that decision in accordance with subsection 34(2), but not otherwise. (5A) An application by a person under subsection (1), (2) or (3) to the Board to review a decision of the Commission, whether the decision was made before or is made after the commencement of this subsection, refusing to grant an application for attendant allowance under section 98 may be made within a period of 3 months after service on the person of notice of the decision or within a period of 3 months after the commencement of this subsection, whichever last expires, but not otherwise. (6) If: (a) the Commission, upon a review under section 31 of a decision (the original decision) of a kind referred to in subsection (1), (2) or (3), has made a further decision: (i) revoking that decision; or (ii) revoking that decision and substituting a new decision; or (iii) varying that decision; and (b) application had not, before the further decision was made, been made to the Board for a review of the original decision; application is not to be made for a review of the original decision but may be made for a review: (c) of the further decision of the Commission revoking the original decision; or (d) of the new decision of the Commission that was substituted for the original decision; or (e) of the original decision as varied by the further decision of the Commission. (7) If: (a) the Commission, upon a review under section 31 of a decision (the original decision) of a kind referred to in subsection (1), (2) or (3), has made a further decision: (i) revoking that decision; or (ii) revoking that decision and substituting a new decision; or (iii) varying that decision; and (b) an application had been made to the Board for a review of the original decision but the hearing of the application: (i) had not commenced before the further decision was made; or (ii) had commenced but was not completed before the further decision was made; the application is to be treated as if it were an application made for a review: (c) of the further decision of the Commission revoking the original decision; or (d) of the new decision of the Commission that was substituted for the original decision; or (e) of the original decision as varied by the further decision of the Commission. 136 Application for review (1) An application to the Board for a review: (a) shall be in writing; and (b) is to be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T and is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section; and may set out a statement of the reasons for the application. (2) An application under subsection (1) relating to a pension granted to, or claimed for, a veteran, or a dependant of a deceased veteran, may be made: (a) by the veteran or dependant, as the case may be; (b) with the approval of the veteran or dependant, as the case may be, by another person on behalf of the veteran or dependant; (c) in the case of a veteran or dependant, as the case may be, who is unable, by reason of physical or mental incapacity, to approve a person to make an application on his or her behalf-on behalf of the veteran or dependant, by a person approved by the Commission; or (d) in the case of a dependant who is under the age of 18 years, on behalf of the dependant: (i) by a parent or guardian of the dependant; (ii) by another person approved by a parent or guardian of the dependant; or (iii) if there is not a parent or guardian of the dependant alive or willing and able to make, or approve a person to make, such an application on behalf of the dependant-by another person, being a person approved by the Commission. (3) Subsection (2) does not limit the application of section 126 in relation to applications under subsection (1) of this section. 137 Secretary to prepare report (1) Within 6 weeks after an application for review made under subsection 135(1), (2) or (3) is received at an office of the Department in Australia, the Secretary shall: (a) cause to be prepared a report referring to the evidence under the control of the Department that is relevant to the review; and (b) subject to subsection (2), cause a copy of that report to be served on the applicant. (2) Where the report prepared by the Secretary in pursuance of subsection (1) contains or refers to any information, opinion or other matter: (a) that, in the opinion of the Secretary, is of a confidential nature; or (b) that, in the opinion of the Secretary, it might be prejudicial to the physical or mental health or well-being of the applicant to communicate to the applicant; the document served on the applicant in pursuance of paragraph (1)(b) shall not contain or refer to that information, opinion or other matter. (3) Where a copy of a report is served on an applicant in accordance with subsection (1), the applicant may, within 28 days after service of the report or within such further period as the applicant may request in writing before the expiration of that period, furnish to the Secretary in writing any comments the applicant wishes to make concerning the report. (4) The Secretary shall forward to the Principal Member of the Board all the relevant documents, including any comments furnished to the Secretary by the applicant concerning the report served on the applicant and, if a further investigation has been made in consequence of those comments of the applicant, a supplementary report referring to any evidence obtained in that further investigation: (a) if the applicant duly furnishes comments in accordance with subsection (3) and no further investigation is made in consequence of those comments-as soon as practicable after receipt of those comments; (b) if a further investigation is made in consequence of comments furnished by the applicant-as soon as practicable after the completion of that further investigation; or (c) in any other case-as soon as practicable after the expiration of the period or extended period referred to in subsection (3). 138 Board not bound by technicalities etc. (1) The Board, in conducting a review, in hearing a review or in making a decision on a review of a decision: (a) is not bound by technicalities, legal forms or rules of evidence; and (b) shall act according to substantial justice and the merits and all the circumstances of the case and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall take into account any difficulties that, for any reason, lie in the way of ascertaining the existence of any fact, matter, cause or circumstance, including any reason attributable to: (i) the effects of the passage of time, including the effect of the passage of time on the availability of witnesses; or (ii) the absence of, or a deficiency in, relevant official records including an absence or deficiency resulting from the fact that an occurrence that happened during the service of a veteran, or of a member of the Forces, or a member of a Peacekeeping Force, as defined by subsection 68(1), was not reported to the appropriate authorities. (2) The Commission may make available to the Board: (a) statements of principles applied by the Commission in deciding claims for pension and applications for pension and attendant allowance and increased pension and in conducting reviews under section 31; and (b) such other material as the Commission considers may be of assistance to the Board in the exercise of its powers or the performance of its functions under this Act. (3) Nothing in this section authorizes the Commission to direct the Board with respect to its consideration of a particular review by the Board. 139 Decision of Board (1) On review of a decision, the Board shall have regard to the evidence that was before the Commission when the decision was made and to any further evidence before the Board on the review that was not before the Commission, being further evidence relevant to the review. (2) It is the duty of the Board, in reviewing a decision of the Commission, to satisfy itself with respect to, or to determine, as the case requires, all matters relevant to the review. (3) For the purpose of reviewing a decision of the Commission, the Board may exercise all the powers and discretions that are conferred by this Act on the Commission in like manner as they are required by this Act to be exercised by the Commission, and shall make a decision, in writing: (a) affirming the decision under review; (b) varying the decision under review; or (c) setting aside the decision under review and making a decision in substitution for the decision so set aside. (4) Where the Board sets aside a decision of the Commission refusing to grant a pension to a person and substitutes for it a decision granting a pension to the person, the Board shall assess the rate or rates at which the pension is to be paid to the person or remit the matter to the Commission to assess the rate or rates at which the pension is to be paid to the person. 140 Statements of decisions of the Board etc. (1) Where the Board reviews a decision of the Commission, the Board shall: (a) record its decision on the review in writing; (b) prepare a written statement setting out its reasons for that decision, including its findings on any material questions of fact, and referring to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based; (c) file the decision and the written statement with the records of the case; and (d) cause to be served on each of the relevant persons: (i) a copy of the decision; and (ii) subject to subsection (2), a copy of the written statement referred to in paragraph (b) of this subsection; and on the applicant for the review, or a person authorized by the applicant, particulars of the person's right to make application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the decision of the Commission affirmed by that decision of the Board, the decision of the Commission as varied by that decision of the Board or the decision of the Board in substitution for the decision of the Commission set aside by the Board, as the case may be. (2) Where a statement prepared by the Board in pursuance of paragraph (1)(b) upon a review of a decision of the Commission contains or refers to any information, opinion or other matter: (a) that, in the opinion of the Board, is of a confidential nature; or (b) that, in the opinion of the Board, might be prejudicial to the physical or mental health or well-being of the applicant to communicate to the applicant; the document served on the applicant in pursuance of subparagraph (1)(d)(ii) shall not contain or refer to that information, opinion or other matter. (2A) The copies of a decision and statement that are required by subsection (1) to be served on the Commission in respect of a review of a decision by the Board shall be served on the Commission by forwarding them to, or delivering them at, the prescribed address of the Commission (addressed to the Commission). (3) In this section: (a) a reference to the relevant persons, in relation to a review, shall be read as a reference to: (i) the applicant for the review, or a person authorized by that applicant; and (ii) the Commission; and (b) a reference to a decision of the Board on a review shall be read as including a reference to any assessment made by the Board on the review in pursuance of subsection 139(3) or (4). 140A Correction of errors in decisions or statements of reasons (1) If, after the making of a decision by the Board, the Board is satisfied that there is an obvious error in the text of the decision or in a written statement of reasons for the decision, the Board may direct a registrar or a deputy registrar to alter the text of the decision or statement in accordance with the directions of the Board. (2) If the text of a decision or statement is so altered, the altered text is taken to be the decision of the Board or the statement of reasons for the decision, as the case may be. (3) Examples of obvious errors in the text of a decision or statement of reasons are where: (a) there is an obvious clerical or typographical error in the text of the decision or statement of reasons; or (b) there is an inconsistency between the decision and the statement of reasons. (4) The powers of the Board under this section may be exercised by the Principal Member or by the member who presided in respect of the review to which the decision relates. Division 4-Organization of the Board 141 Constitution of Board for exercise of powers (1) Subject to this section, the Board shall, for the purposes of a review, be constituted by: (a) the Principal Member or a Senior Member; (b) a Services member; and (c) one other member. (1A) The Board may, for the purposes of a particular review, be constituted by: (a) the Principal Member; and (b) a Senior Member; and (c) a Services Member. (2) With the approval of the Minister, the Board may, for the purposes of a particular review, or of a review included in a particular class of reviews, be constituted by: (a) the Principal Member or a Senior Member; or (b) one member, not being the Principal Member or a Senior Member; only. 142 Principal Member responsible for arrangement of business (1) The Principal Member is responsible for the efficient operation of the Board. (2) The Principal Member may give directions: (a) for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the operations of the Board; and (b) as to the arrangement of the business of the Board. 143 Members to constitute Board (1) The Principal Member may give directions, from time to time in writing, as to the persons who are to constitute the Board: (a) for the purpose of a particular review or particular reviews; or (b) for the purposes of reviews listed for hearing at a specified place during a specified period, or during specified periods, being reviews so listed for hearing by, or in accordance with the directions of, the Principal Member. (2) Where the Board, constituted in accordance with a direction given under subsection (1), completes its hearing of a review listed for hearing at the place and during a period specified in that direction but does not make its decision on the review, those members who constitute the Board in accordance with that direction, by force of this subsection, continue to constitute the Board, unless the Principal Member otherwise directs, for the purpose of making a decision in writing on that review. 144 Member ceasing to be member etc. (1) Where one of the members constituting the Board by virtue of a direction under section 143 ceases to be a member or ceases, for any reason, to be available for the purposes of a review at the place where the review is to be, or is being, heard or continued, the 2 remaining members shall be deemed to constitute the Board by virtue of the direction given under section 143 until the Principal Member re-allocates the review, under section 143, for further hearing. (2) Where the member referred to in subsection (1) is the Principal Member or a Senior Member, the Principal Member shall direct which of the 2 remaining members shall preside at any hearing of the review. (3) Where: (a) the hearing of a review has been commenced but has not been completed before the Board; and (b) the review has not been re-allocated as mentioned in subsection (1); the review may be listed for further hearing at a particular place and time in accordance with directions given by the Principal Member with respect to the listing of reviews for hearing or further hearing and, if it is so listed: (c) the Board constituted by the members directed to constitute the Board for the hearing of reviews listed for hearing at that place during the period in which that time occurs may continue the hearing of the review and decide the review; and (d) the review shall be deemed to have been re-allocated for further hearing and decision accordingly. (4) The Board to which a review is deemed to have been re-allocated under subsection (3) may, but need not, include a member who was one of the members who constituted the Board for the purpose of hearing the review before the re-allocation took place. (5) Where a review re-allocated as mentioned in subsection (1), or deemed to have been re-allocated under subsection (3), had been commenced, but had not been completed, before the re-allocation took place, the Board as constituted for the purpose of that review by virtue of that re-allocation may, in the review before it, have regard to any record of the review before the Board as previously constituted. 145 Places of sitting Sittings of the Board shall be held from time to time as required, and at such places in Australia as may be convenient. Division 5-Proceedings before the Board 146 Principal Member or Senior Member to preside at hearing (1) Where the Principal Member is included in the members constituting the Board for the purpose of a review, he or she shall preside at any hearing of the review. (2) Where the Principal Member is not included in the members constituting the Board for the purpose of a review, the Senior Member who is included in those members shall preside at any hearing of the review. 147 Parties to review before Board (1) The parties to a review by the Board of a decision of the Commission are: (a) the applicant for the review; and (b) the Commission. (2) A party to a review may: (a) appear in person, or be represented at the party's own expense by a person other than a legal practitioner, at any hearing of the review; and (b) make such submissions, in writing, to the Board as the party, or the party's representative, considers relevant to the review. Note: if the Principal Member gives an applicant a notice under subsection 155AA(4) or 155AB(4) and the applicant wants to be represented by another person in relation to it, the applicant must so authorise the representative in writing after receiving the notice (see section 155AC). (3) In this section, a reference to a legal practitioner shall be read as including a reference to any person who: (a) holds a degree of Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws or Doctor of Laws or Bachelor of Legal Studies; or (b) is otherwise qualified for admission as a barrister, solicitor, or barrister and solicitor, of the High Court or of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory. 148 Procedure of Board (1) The Principal Member shall, upon receipt of the relevant documents relating to a review of a decision of the Commission, cause to be served on each party to the review a notice informing the party that the Board is to review the decision of the Commission and requesting the party to inform the Principal Member, in writing, within a reasonable time specified in the notice, whether the party wishes to appear on the hearing of the review and, if the party wishes so to appear, whether the party intends to appear on the hearing personally or by another person under section 147. (2) Where either party to a review of a decision of the Commission informs the Principal Member that the party wishes to appear on the hearing of the review of the decision by the Board, the Principal Member shall: (a) cause a date, time and place to be fixed for the hearing of the review; and (b) cause notice of the date, time and place so fixed to be served on each party to the review. (3) The Principal Member may defer fixing a date, time and place for the hearing of a review under subsection (2) until the parties to the review have informed the Principal Member that they are ready to proceed at a hearing. (4) Where a party to a review of a decision of the Commission does not inform the Principal Member, within the time specified in the notice served on the party under subsection (1), that the party wishes to appear on the hearing of the review, the review may be heard and determined in the absence of that party. (5) The Principal Member: (a) may give general directions, not inconsistent with subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) as to the procedure of the Board with respect to reviews before it, including reviews the hearings of which have not been commenced; and (b) may give directions, not inconsistent with subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4), as to the procedure of the Board with respect to a particular review before the Board, either before or after the hearing of the review has commenced. (5A) The power of the Principal Member under subsection (5) includes the power to give directions: (a) as to the manner of communication of documents, including electronic documents, that are required or permitted to be communicated to the Board; and (b) as to the time at which such documents are to be taken to have been so communicated. (5B) Without limiting the documents to which subsection (5A) applies, those documents include: (a) documents, comments and supplementary reports forwarded to the Principal Member under subsection 137(4); and (b) notices given to the Principal Member by a party to a review of a decision for the purposes of section 148; and (c) documents produced to the Board under section 151 for the purposes of the hearing of a review Board; and (d) further documents and reports of investigations or examinations forwarded to the Board as a consequence of a request made under subsection 152(1); and (e) withdrawals of applications for review communicated to the Board under subsection 155(1); and (f) statements provided to the Principal Member for the purposes of paragraph 155AA(4)(c); and (g) statements provided to the Principal Member for the purposes of paragraph 155AA(4)(d); and (h) statements provided to the Principal Member for the purposes of paragraph 155AB(4)(a); and (i) statements provided to the Principal Member for the purposes of paragraph 155AB(4)(b). (6) The presiding member in respect of a particular review may, in respect of a matter not dealt with by directions under subsection (5), give directions, not inconsistent with subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4), as to the procedure to be followed on a hearing of the review, either before or after the hearing of the review has commenced. (6A) The Principal Member may, in relation to a review, request the Secretary: (a) to give to the Principal Member further documents in the Secretary's custody; or (b) to obtain, and give to the Principal Member, further documents; or (c) to arrange for the making of any investigation or medical examination and to give to the Principal Member a report of the investigation or examination. (7) In giving a direction or making a request under this section, the Principal Member or a presiding member shall have regard to the need for the review to be conducted with as little formality and technicality, and with as much expedition, as the requirements of this Act and a proper consideration of the matters before the Board permit. 149 Questions to be decided by majority of Board (1) A question before the Board on a review shall be decided according to the opinion of a majority of the members constituting the Board. (2) Where the Board is constituted for the purposes of a review by 2 members only and the 2 members cannot agree on a question arising in the review, the Board shall adjourn the review and refer the matter to the Principal Member for the giving of any necessary directions, or the taking of any other action, under section 143 or 144. 150 Hearing to be in private except in special circumstances (1) Subject to this section, the hearing of a review shall be in private. (2) The presiding member may give directions (whether in writing or otherwise) as to the persons who may be present at any hearing of a review. (3) If requested to do so by the applicant, the presiding member may permit a hearing, or a part of a hearing, of a review to take place in public. 151 Powers of Board (1) The Board may: (a) take evidence on oath or affirmation for the purposes of a review; or (b) adjourn a hearing of a review from time to time. (2) The presiding member in relation to a review may: (a) summon a person to appear at any hearing of the review to give evidence and to produce such documents (if any) as are referred to in the summons; (b) require a person appearing at a hearing of the review for the purpose of giving evidence either to take an oath or to make an affirmation; and (c) administer an oath or affirmation to a person so appearing. (3) The applicant for a review by the Board of a decision of the Commission is a competent and compellable witness upon the hearing of the review of that decision by the Board. (4) The oath or affirmation to be taken or made by a person for the purposes of this section is an oath or affirmation that the evidence that the person will give will be true. (5) The power of the Board under paragraph (1)(a) to take evidence on oath or affirmation for the purposes of a review may be exercised on behalf of the Board by the presiding member in relation to the review or by another person (whether a member or not) authorized by the presiding member, and that power may be so exercised within or outside Australia, but the Board may direct that the power is to be so exercised subject to limitations specified by the Board. (6) Where a person other than the presiding member in relation to a review is authorized, in accordance with subsection (5), to take evidence for the purposes of the review: (a) the first-mentioned person has, for the purposes of taking that evidence, all the powers of the Board under subsection (1) and all the powers of the presiding member under subsection (2); and (b) for the purposes of the exercise of those powers by the first- mentioned person, this Part has effect (except where the context otherwise requires) as if a reference to the Board, or to the presiding member, in relation to the review included a reference to the first-mentioned person. 152 Request to Secretary for documents etc. (1) The Board may, at any time, request the Secretary: (a) to forward to the Board further documents in the custody of the Secretary relating to a review; (b) to obtain, and forward to the Board, further documents relating to a review; or (c) to arrange for the making of any investigation, or any medical examination, that the Board thinks necessary with respect to a review, and to forward to the Board a report of that investigation or examination. (2) Where a request is made under subsection (1), the Board shall adjourn any hearing of the review to which the request relates and may, in the case of a review of a decision with respect to a pension assessment, vary that assessment pending the completion of that review, having regard to the records and evidence on which the Commission reached that decision. 153 Information may be made available to parties (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), where, after the relevant documents relating to a review have been forwarded to the Principal Member of the Board in accordance with subsection 137(4) and before the commencement of the hearing of the review, a party to the review furnishes any information to the Board for the purposes of the review, the Board shall make that information available to the other party to the review. (2) Where the Board is of the opinion: (a) that any information under the control of the Board is of a confidential nature; or (b) that it might be prejudicial to the physical or mental health or well-being of the applicant to communicate any such information to the applicant; the Board may refrain from making it available to the applicant, but may make it available to a person representing the applicant. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to information furnished, as set out in that subsection, by a party to a review other than the Commission unless the Board is of the opinion that it contains, or foreshadows the presentation of, evidence or a submission that has not been considered by the Commission in connection with the review. 154 Period of operation of certain decisions of Board (1) A decision of the Board on a review of a decision of the Commission of a kind referred to in paragraph 135(5)(a), (b), (c) or (d) shall, unless reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and, subject to subsection (2) of this section, be binding upon the applicant and the Commission for a period of 6 months commencing on the day on which the Board makes that decision. (2) If, during the period referred to in subsection (1), the applicant is of the opinion that his or her incapacity has increased, subsection (1) does not prevent: (a) the applicant from making application under subsection 15(1) or (2) for an increased pension or for a pension; or (b) the grant of an increased pension, or a pension, from a date within that period, by the Commission upon its consideration of such an application or by the Board upon review of the decision of the Commission on such an application. 155 Withdrawal of application (1) An applicant for review by the Board of a decision of the Commission may withdraw the application at any time before the Board has commenced the review and, with the consent of the Board, at any time after the Board has commenced the review. (2) The withdrawal of an application to review a decision of the Commission does not prevent the applicant from subsequently making another application under section 135 to review that decision within the time allowed by that section. 155AA Power to dismiss application-initial consideration (1) In this section: standard review period, in relation to an application for review, means the period of 2 years after the day on which the application was received at an office of the Department in Australia. (2) This section applies to an application for review unless: (a) the hearing of the review has finished within the standard review period; or (b) as at the end of the standard review period, a date, time and place is fixed for the commencement or resumption of the hearing of the review. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), the hearing of a review is taken to have finished when there are no further submissions to be made to the Board by any of the parties to the review. (4) If, at the end of the standard review period: (a) this section applies to an application for review; and (b) the Principal Member considers that the applicant should be ready to proceed at a hearing; the Principal Member must give a written notice to the applicant requesting the applicant to provide to the Principal Member, within 28 days after receiving the notice; (c) a written statement indicating that the applicant is ready to proceed at a hearing; or (d) a written statement explaining why the applicant is not ready to proceed at a hearing. (5) If the applicant does not provide a written statement under paragraph (4)(c) or (d) within the 28 days, the Principal Member must dismiss the application and must notify the applicant and the Commission of the dismissal. (6) If: (a) the applicant provides a written statement under paragraph (4)(d) within the 28 days; and (b) the Principal Member considers that the statement contains a reasonable explanation for the applicant's failure to be ready to proceed at a hearing; the Principal Member must notify the applicant and the Commission of this. (7) If: (a) the applicant provides a written statement under paragraph (4)(d) within the 28 days; and (b) the Principal Member considers that the statement does not contain a reasonable explanation for the applicant's failure to be ready to proceed at a hearing; the Principal Member must dismiss the application and must notify the applicant and the Commission of the dismissal. 155AB Power to dismiss application-subsequent consideration (1) In this section: extended review period, in relation to an extension notice, means the period of 3 months after the day on which the Principal Member has given the extension notice to the applicant for review. extension notice means a notice under subsection 155AA(6) or subsection (6) of this section. (2) If the Principal Member has given an applicant for review an extension notice, this section applies to that application unless: (a) the hearing of the review has finished within the extended review period; or (b) as at the end of the extended review period, a date, time and place is fixed for the commencement or resumption of the hearing of the review. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), the hearing of a review is taken to have finished when there are no further submissions to be made to the Board by any of the parties to the review. (4) If this section applies to an application for review at the end of the extended review period, the Principal Member must give a written notice to the applicant requesting the applicant to provide to the Principal Member, within 28 days after receiving the notice: (a) a written statement indicating that the applicant is ready to proceed at a hearing; or (b) a written statement explaining why the applicant is not ready to proceed at a hearing. (5) If the applicant does not provide a written statement under paragraph (4)(a) or (b) within the 28 days, the Principal Member must dismiss the application and must notify the applicant and the Commission of the dismissal. (6) If: (a) the applicant provides a written statement under paragraph (4)(b) within the 28 days; and (b) the Principal Member considers that the statement contains a reasonable explanation for the applicant's failure to be ready to proceed at a hearing; the Principal Member must notify the applicant and the Commission of this. (7) If: (a) the applicant provides a written statement under paragraph (4)(b) within the 28 days; and (b) the Principal Member considers that the statement does not contain a reasonable explanation for the applicant's failure to be ready to proceed at a hearing; the Principal Member must dismiss the application and must notify the applicant and the Commission of the dismissal. 155AC Representation of applicant where outcome could be dismissal of application (1) An applicant for review may authorise another person to represent the applicant in relation to a notice under subsection 155AA(4) or 155AB(4). (2) An authorisation under subsection (1) must be in writing. (3) The applicant may authorise the representative only after the applicant has received the notice. (4) If the Principal Member has approved a form for the purposes of subsection (1), the applicant must authorise the representative in that form. (5) If the applicant does authorise a representative, the representation is to be at the applicant's own expense. 155A Review by Administrative Appeals Tribunal (1) Application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, subject to section 29 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, for review of the following decisions of the Principal Member: (a) the decision to dismiss an application under subsection 155AA(5) or 155AB(5); (b) the decision under paragraph 155AA(6)(b) or 155AB(6)(b) that an applicant has provided a reasonable explanation for the applicant's failure to be ready to proceed at a hearing; (c) the decision under paragraph 155AA(7)(b) or 155AB(7)(b) that an applicant has provided no reasonable explanation for the applicant's failure to be ready to proceed at a hearing. (2) Where a decision of a kind referred to in subsection (1) is made and a written notice of the decision is given to a person whose interests are affected by the decision, the notice must include a statement to the effect that, if the person is dissatisfied with the decision, application may, subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of the decision and, except where subsection 28(4) of that Act applies, also include a statement to the effect that the person may request a statement under section 28 of that Act. (3) A failure to comply with subsection (2) does not affect the validity of the decision. Division 6-Date of operation of decisions of Board 156 Date of operation of decision by Board (1) Except where: (a) the Board affirms the decision under review; or (b) the Board sets aside the decision under review and makes a decision in substitution for the decision set aside that has the effect only of revoking a decision of the Commission to cancel or suspend a pension; the Board shall specify in its decision on a review under this Part the date from which its decision is to operate, being a date fixed in accordance with section 157. (2) Where the Board sets aside the decision under review and makes, in substitution for the decision set aside, a decision that has the effect only of revoking a decision of the Commission to cancel or suspend a pension, the decision to cancel or suspend the pension shall be deemed never to have had any force or effect. 157 Dates that may be specified (1) In this section: Board's decision, in relation to a review by the Board of a Commission's decision, means the decision of the Board, upon its review of the Commission's decision, setting aside the Commission's decision and substituting another decision for it or varying the Commission's decision, but does not include a decision of the Board affirming the Commission's decision. Commission's decision, in relation to a review by the Board, means a decision of the Commission that has been reviewed by the Board. substituted decision means a decision made by the Board in substitution for a decision of the Commission that has been set aside by the Board upon its review of that decision of the Commission. varied decision means a decision of the Commission as varied by a decision of the Board upon its review of that decision of the Commission. (2) Where the Board, upon its review of a decision of the Commission, sets aside that decision and substitutes another decision for it, or varies that decision: (a) if the effect of the substituted decision, or the varied decision, as the case may be, is to grant a pension or attendant allowance to a person, the Board may fix, as the date from which the Board's decision is to operate: (i) if the person made application for the review within 3 months after service on the person of a copy of the Commission's decision-a date not earlier than the earliest date as from which the Commission could, if it had not refused to grant a pension or attendant allowance, as the case may be, to the person, have approved payment of a pension or of attendant allowance to the person; or (ii) in any other case-a date not more than 6 months before the date on which the person's application for review of the Commission's decision was received at an office of the Department in Australia; (b) if the substituted decision, or the varied decision, as the case may be, is a decision of a kind specified in subsection (3)-the Board shall remit the matter to the Commission to fix the date as from which the Board's decision is to operate, being: (i) if the Board's decision was made for a reason set out in subsection 31(7)-the date on which the Board's decision was made or an earlier or later date; or (ii) in any other case-the date of the first available pension pay- day occurring after the date on which a copy of the Board's decision is served on the Commission under section 140; (c) if the substituted decision, or the varied decision, as the case may be, has the effect of altering the description or nature of the war-caused injury or war-caused disease from which a veteran is suffering, or the description or nature of the defence-caused injury or defence-caused disease from which a member of the Forces or a member of a Peacekeeping Force is suffering-the Board may fix, as the date as from which that alteration is to operate, such date, being the date on which its decision is made or an earlier or later date, as it determines is fair and reasonable in all the circumstances; or (d) in any other case-the Board may fix, as the date as from which the Board's decision is to operate, a date not earlier than the earliest date that the substituted decision, or varied decision, could have operated if it had been made by the Commission in place of the Commission's decision. (3) The kinds of decisions specified in this subsection are: (a) a substituted decision or a varied decision that has the effect of reducing the rate at which a pension is to be paid (not being a pension that is suspended); (b) a substituted decision that has the effect of suspending a pension (not being a pension that has been cancelled or is suspended); and (c) a substituted decision that has the effect of cancelling a pension (not being a pension that is suspended). (4) Where a Board's decision that sets aside a Commission's decision and substitutes another decision for it, or that varies a Commission's decision, is to operate as from a particular date, the substituted decision or the varied decision, as the case may be, shall operate as from the same date. (5) In this section, a reference to the cancellation of a pension shall be read as including a reference to the cancellation of a pension for the reason that the degree of incapacity of the veteran from war-caused injury or war-caused disease, or both, or the degree of incapacity of the member of the Forces or of the member of a Peacekeeping Force, from defence-caused injury or defence- caused disease, or both, is less than 10 per centum (including nought per centum). Division 7-Membership of the Board 158 Appointment of members of Board (1) The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Governor- General. (2) The Board must have at all times among its members persons selected from lists submitted to the Minister as requested under subsection (3). (3) The Minister may, from time to time, request organizations representing veterans throughout Australia to submit to the Minister lists of names of persons from which the organization concerned recommends that a selection be made of persons to serve as Services members of the Board. (4) The Principal Member shall be appointed as a full-time member. (5) A member other than the Principal Member may be appointed either as a full-time member or as a part-time member. 159 Terms of appointment (1) Subject to this Division, a member holds office for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible for re-appointment. (3) A member holds office on such terms and conditions (if any) in respect of matters not provided for by this Part, as are determined by the Governor-General by instrument in writing. 160 Remuneration and allowances of members (1) A member shall be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, but, if no determination of that remuneration is in operation, the member shall be paid such remuneration as is prescribed. (2) A member shall be paid such allowances as are prescribed. (3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. 161 Acting members (1) The Minister may appoint a person to act as a member: (a) during any period, or during all periods, when a member, being a full-time member, is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any reason, unable to perform the functions of his or her office; or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when a member, being a part-time member, is, for any reason, unavailable to perform the duties of his or her office; or (c) during any period, or during all periods, when there is a vacancy in an office of a member. (2) The Minister may: (a) determine the terms and conditions of appointment, including remuneration and allowances, of a person acting as a member in pursuance of an appointment under subsection (1); and (b) at any time terminate such an appointment. (3) Where a person is acting as a member in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) or (b) and the office of that member becomes vacant while the person is so acting, that person may continue so to act until the Minister otherwise directs, the vacancy is filled or a period of 12 months from the date on which the vacancy occurred expires, whichever first happens. (4) Where a person has been appointed under subsection (1) to act in the place of a member (in this subsection referred to as the absent member) who is absent or unavailable, the Minister may, by reason of a pending review or other special circumstances, direct, before the absent member ceases to be absent or unavailable, that the person so appointed shall continue to act in the appointment after the absent member ceases to be absent or unavailable, until the person so appointed resigns the appointment or the Minister terminates the appointment, but a person shall not continue to act by virtue of this subsection for more than 12 months after the absent member ceases to be absent or unavailable. (5) A person acting in the place of the Principal Member, a Senior Member or another member has all the powers, and shall perform all the functions and duties, conferred or imposed by this Part on the Principal Member, Senior Member or other member, as the case may be. (6) Where the Board as constituted for the purpose of a review includes a person acting, or purporting to be appointed to act, as a member under this section, or a person so acting, or purporting to be appointed so to act, has done any act, the validity of any decision of, or any direction given or other act done by, the Board as so constituted or of the act done by the person so acting, or purporting to be appointed so to act, shall not be called in question in any proceeding on the ground that the occasion for the person to act, or for the appointment of the person to act, had not arisen or that the occasion for his or her appointment to act had passed or the appointment had ceased to have effect. (7) The appointment of a person to act as a member ceases to have effect if the person resigns the appointment by writing signed by the person and delivered to the Minister. (8) Section 162 applies to and in relation to a person appointed under subsection (1) to act in place of a member on a full-time basis as if the person were a member, and section 165 applies to any person appointed under subsection (1) to act in place of a member as if the person were a member. 162 Leave of absence (1) A full-time member has such recreation leave entitlements as are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. (2) The Minister may grant a full-time member leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on such terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise as the Minister determines. 163 Resignation A member may resign office by writing signed by the member and delivered to the Governor-General. 164 Removal from office (1) The Governor-General may remove a member from office on the ground of proved misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity. (2) The Minister may suspend a member from office on the ground of misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity. (3) Where the Minister suspends a member from office, the Governor- General may, on the recommendation of the Minister: (a) remove the member from office; (b) direct that the suspension of the member continue for such further period as the Governor-General specifies; or (c) direct that the suspension of the member terminate. (4) The suspension of a member from office under this section does not affect any entitlement of the member to be paid remuneration and allowances. (5) If: (a) a member becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with the member's creditors or makes an assignment of the member's remuneration for their benefit; (b) a member, being a member who has been appointed as a full-time member: (i) engages, except with the approval of the Minister, in paid employment outside the duties of the member's office; or (ii) is absent from duty, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or 28 days in any 12 months; or (c) a member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the member's obligations under section 165; the Governor-General shall remove the member from office. (6) The Governor-General may, with the consent of a member who is: (a) an eligible employee for the purposes of the Superannuation Act 1976; or (b) a member of the superannuation scheme established by deed under the Superannuation Act 1990; or (c) an ordinary employer-sponsored member of PSSAP, within the meaning of the Superannuation Act 2005; by notice in writing, retire the member on the ground of physical or mental incapacity. (6A) The notice must specify the day on which the member is to be retired. (6B) The day specified in the notice must not be a day earlier than the day on which the Governor-General signed the notice. (7) A member shall not be suspended, removed or retired from office except as provided by this section. (8) In spite of anything contained in this section, a member who: (a) is an eligible employee for the purposes of the Superannuation Act 1976; and (b) has not reached his or her maximum retiring age (within the meaning of that Act); is not capable of being retired from office on the ground of invalidity (within the meaning of Part IVA of that Act) unless the Board (within the meaning of that Act) has given a certificate under section 54C of that Act. (9) In spite of anything contained in this section, a member who: (a) is a member of the superannuation scheme established by deed under the Superannuation Act 1990; and (b) is under 60 years of age; is not capable of being retired from office on the ground of invalidity (within the meaning of that Act) unless the Board (within the meaning of that Act) has given a certificate under section 13 of that Act. (10) In spite of anything contained in this section, a member who: (a) is an ordinary employer-sponsored member of PSSAP, within the meaning of the Superannuation Act 2005; and (b) is under 60 years of age; is not capable of being retired from office on the ground of invalidity (within the meaning of that Act) unless the Board (within the meaning of that Act) has given an approval and certificate under section 43 of that Act. 165 Disclosure of interests (1) Where a member who is, or is to be, a member of the Board as constituted by virtue of a direction under section 143, or of a re- allocation as mentioned in subsection 144(1) or deemed to have been made under subsection 144(3), for the purposes of a review has or acquires any interest, pecuniary or otherwise, that could conflict with the proper performance of the member's functions in relation to that review: (a) the member shall disclose the interest to the applicant and the Commission; and (b) except with the consent of the applicant and the Commission, the member shall not take part in the review, or exercise any powers in relation to the review, by the Board of the relevant decision of the Commission. (2) Where the Principal Member becomes aware that a member who is, or is to be, a member of the Board as constituted by virtue of a direction under section 143 or of a re-allocation as mentioned in subsection 144(1) or deemed to have been made under subsection 144(3), for the purposes of a review has in relation to that review such an interest as is mentioned in subsection (1) of this section: (a) if the Principal Member considers that the member should not take part, or should not continue to take part, in the review- the Principal Member shall give a direction to the member accordingly; or (b) in any other case-the Principal Member shall cause the interest of the member to be disclosed to the applicant and to the Commission. Division 8-Miscellaneous 166 Delegation (1) The Principal Member may, either generally or as otherwise provided by the instrument of delegation, by writing signed by the Principal Member, delegate to a Senior Member or to an acting Senior Member all or any of the Principal Member's powers under this Part, other than this power of delegation. (1A) The Principal Member may, by writing signed by him or her, also delegate all or any of his or her powers under subsection 148(6A) or section 155AA or 155AB to a registrar or a deputy registrar. (2) A power delegated under this section, when exercised by the delegate, shall, for the purposes of this Part, be deemed to have been exercised by the Principal Member. (3) A delegation under this section does not prevent the exercise of a power by the Principal Member. 167 Protection of members and witnesses (1) A member has, in the performance of his or her duties as a member, the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court. (2) A person representing a party at a hearing of a review before the Board has the same protection and immunity as a barrister has in appearing for a party in proceedings in the High Court. (3) Subject to this Part, a person summoned to attend, or appearing, before the Board as a witness has the same protection, and is, in addition to the penalties provided by this Part, subject to the same liabilities, as a witness in proceedings in the High Court. 168 Failure of witness to attend (1) A person who has been served, as prescribed, with a summons to appear as a witness before the Board and tendered reasonable expenses shall not: (a) fail to attend as required by the summons; or (b) fail to appear and report from day to day unless excused, or released from further attendance, by a member. Penalty: $1,000 or imprisonment for 6 months, or both. (2) An offence under subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. 169 Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions etc. (1) A person appearing as a witness before the Board shall not: (a) when required in pursuance of section 151 either to take an oath or make an affirmation-fail to comply with the requirement; (b) fail to answer a question that the person is required to answer by the presiding member; or (c) fail to produce a document that the person is required to produce by a summons under this Part served on the person as prescribed. Penalty: $1,000 or imprisonment for 6 months, or both. (1A) An offence under subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code. (1B) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse. Note: The defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1B). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code. (2) A person appearing as a witness before the Board shall not intentionally give evidence that is false or misleading in a material particular. Penalty: $2,000 or imprisonment for 12 months, or both. 170 Contempt of Board (1) A person shall not: (a) obstruct or hinder the Board or a member in the performance of the functions of the Board; or (b) disrupt a hearing before the Board. Penalty: $2,000 or imprisonment for 12 months, or both. (2) In subsection (1), member includes an acting member. 170A Medical expenses (1) The Commonwealth may, subject to this section, pay to an applicant for a review an amount to cover the medical expenses incurred by him or her in respect of relevant documentary medical evidence submitted to the Board for the purposes of the review. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any relevant documentary medical evidence obtained before the day on which a copy or notice of the decision referred to in section 135 that is subject to review was served on the applicant. (3) The applicant is not to be paid: (a) if the applicant has submitted to the Board for the purposes of the review relevant documentary medical evidence relating to only one medical condition-more than the prescribed amount for medical expenses; or (b) if the applicant has submitted to the Board for the purposes of the review relevant documentary medical evidence relating to more than one medical condition-more than the prescribed amount for the medical expenses incurred in respect of the evidence relating to any one of those conditions. (4) An amount is not payable in respect of medical expenses unless: (a) the person who has incurred the expenses; or (b) any person approved by that person or by the Commission; applies in writing to the Commission for payment under subsection (5). (5) The application for payment must: (a) be in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; and (b) be made: (i) if the relevant documentary medical evidence was submitted to the Board before 1 January 1995-before 1 April 1995; or (ii) in any other case-within 3 months after the relevant documentary medical evidence was submitted to the Board; and (c) be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (6) An application for payment lodged in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. 170B Travelling expenses for obtaining medical evidence (1) If an applicant has had to travel to obtain any relevant documentary medical evidence submitted to the Board, the applicant is, subject to this section, entitled to be paid in relation to that travel the travelling expenses that are prescribed. (2) If: (a) the applicant is accompanied by an attendant when travelling to obtain the evidence; and (b) the Commission is of the view that it is reasonable for the applicant to be so accompanied by an attendant; the attendant is, subject to this section, entitled to be paid in relation to that travel the travelling expenses that are prescribed. (3) Travelling expenses are not payable in respect of travel outside Australia. (4) Travelling expenses are not payable unless: (a) the person who has incurred the expenses; or (b) any person approved by that person or by the Commission; applies in writing to the Commission for payment under subsection (5). (5) The application for payment must: (a) be in accordance with a form approved by the Commission; and (b) be made: (i) if the travel was done before 1 January 1995-before 1 April 1995; or (ii) in any other case-within 3 months after the end of the travel; and (c) be lodged at an office of the Department in Australia in accordance with section 5T. (5A) An application for payment lodged in accordance with section 5T is taken to have been made on a day determined under that section. (6) The Commonwealth is to pay the travelling expenses to which a person is entitled under this section. 170C Advance of travelling expenses (1) If the Commission is satisfied that: (a) it is reasonable to expect that a person may become entitled to travelling expenses under section 170B; and (b) it is appropriate, in all the circumstances, that the person should be paid an advance on account of those expenses; the Commission may authorise the payment of that advance to the person. (2) If: (a) a person has received an advance on account of any travelling expenses that the person is likely to incur; and (b) the person: (i) does not incur those travelling expenses; or (ii) incurs travelling expenses that are less than the amount of the advance; the person is liable to repay to the Commonwealth: (c) the amount of the advance; or (d) the difference between the amount of the advance and the amount of the travelling expenses; as the case requires. 171 Fees for witnesses (1) A person, other than the applicant, summoned to appear as a witness at a hearing before the Board is entitled to be paid, in respect of the person's attendance, fees, and allowances for expenses, fixed by or in accordance with the regulations in respect of his or her attendance. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the fees and allowances shall be paid: (a) in a case where the witness was summoned at the request of the applicant-by that applicant; and (b) in any other case-by the Commonwealth. (3) The Board may, in its discretion, order that the fees and allowances of a witness referred to in paragraph (2)(a) shall be paid, in whole or in part, by the Commonwealth. 172 Staff to assist Board Any staff required to assist the Board shall be persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 and made available for the purpose by the Secretary. 173 Oath or affirmation of office (1) A person who is appointed or re-appointed as a member, or to act as a member, shall not discharge the duties of the office unless the person has taken an oath, or made an affirmation, in accordance with the form of oath or affirmation in Schedule 4. (2) The oath or affirmation shall be made before a justice of the peace or a commissioner for taking affidavits. Part X-Review of decisions by Administrative Appeals Tribunal 174 Interpretation (1) In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears, reviewable decision means a decision in respect of which application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal under section 175. (2) In this Part: veteran includes: (a) a Commonwealth veteran; and (b) an allied veteran; and (c) an Australian mariner; and (d) an allied mariner; and (e) a member of the Forces, or a member of a Peacekeeping Force, as defined by subsection 68(1). 175 Applications for review (1) Where a decision made by the Commission has been reviewed by the Board upon a request made under section 135 and affirmed, varied or set aside, then, subject to section 29 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review: (a) of the decision of the Commission that was so affirmed; (b) of the decision of the Commission as so varied; or (c) of the decision made by the Board in substitution for the decision so set aside; as the case may be. (1A) If the Commission under section 13AG makes a decision that a verification determination should not be made in respect of a person, the person may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the decision. (2) Where the Commission, under section 57B, affirms a decision of the Commission referred to in section 57 or sets it aside and substitutes another decision for it, a person may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the decision so affirmed or substituted. (2AAA) If the Commission under section 79U: (a) affirms a decision of the Commission referred to in subsection 79T(1); or (b) sets it aside and substitutes another decision for it; a person may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the decision so affirmed or substituted. (2AAAA) If the Commission, under section 93ZB, affirms a decision of the Commission referred to in section 93Z or sets it aside and substitutes another decision, a person may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the decision so affirmed or substituted. (2AA) If the Commission, under section 118ZU, affirms a decision of the Commission referred to in section 118ZS or sets it aside and substitutes another decision for it, a person may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the decision so affirmed or substituted. (2A) A person's right to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal under subsection (1A), (2), (2AAAA), (2AAA) or (2AA) is subject to section 29 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. Note: section 29 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 deals with the manner of applying for review. (3) Where the Commission varies a decision under subsection 31(2) after an application had been made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of that decision but before the determination of that application, then, unless the applicant for the review withdraws the application, the application shall be treated as if it were an application for a review of the decision as so varied. (4) Where the Commission, under section 115, affirms a decision of the Commission in respect of an application for an allowance, payment or benefit referred to in subsection 115(1), or sets aside such a decision and substitutes another decision for it, then, subject to section 29 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review: (a) of the decision so affirmed; or (b) of the decision made by the Commission under section 115 in substitution for the decision so set aside. (5) If the Commission, under subsection 116D(2): (a) affirms a decision of the Commission under subsection 116C(1); or (b) sets aside such a decision and substitutes another decision for it; then, subject to section 29 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review: (c) of the decision so affirmed; or (d) of the decision made by the Commission in substitution for the decision so set aside. 176 Application of Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act (1) The Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 applies in relation to reviewable decisions as if paragraph 25(3)(a) of that Act had been omitted. (2) For the purposes of the application of section 27 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 to and in relation to a reviewable decision: (a) if that decision is a decision of the Commission as varied by the Board-the Commission shall be taken to be a person whose interests are affected by that reviewable decision; and (b) if the Board has set aside a decision of the Commission under section 19 or 31 of this Act and made another decision in substitution for the decision so set aside-the Commission shall be taken to be a person whose interests are affected by the decision of the Board to set aside the decision of the Commission and by the decision of the Board made in substitution for the decision so set aside. (3) Section 28 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 does not apply to or in relation to a person whose interests are affected by a reviewable decision: (a) in the case of a decision of a kind referred to in paragraph 175(1)(a) or (c) or in subsection 175(2), (2AA) or (4)-if the person has been served with a copy of that decision and with the statement related to that decision in accordance with section 34, 57E, 118ZX or 140 of this Act, whichever was applicable; or (b) in the case of a decision of a kind referred to in paragraph 175(1)(b)-if the person has been served with copies of the decision made by the Commission and of the decision made by the Board varying that decision made by the Commission, and with the respective statements related to those decisions, in accordance with section 34 or 140 of this Act, whichever was applicable. (4) Section 29 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 applies to and in relation to an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of a reviewable decision: (a) as if "ending 3 months" were substituted for "ending on the twenty-eighth day" in subsection (2) of that section; and (b) as if at the end of subsection (7) there were added "until such date, being a date not more than 12 months after the date on which the document setting out the terms of the decision was furnished to the applicant, as the Tribunal deems fit". (5) Section 30 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 applies to a proceeding before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of a reviewable decision as if paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) of that section were omitted. (6) Subject to section 30 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 in its application in accordance with subsection (5) of this section, the parties to a proceeding before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of a reviewable decision are: (a) if the person who has duly applied for a review of the decision is a person other than the Commission: (i) the person who has so applied; and (ii) the Commission; or (b) in any other case: (i) the Commission; and (ii) the veteran, or dependant of a deceased veteran, affected by that decision. (7) Notwithstanding subsection 43(1) of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal sets aside a decision under subsection 31(6) to cancel or suspend, or reduce the rate of, a pension or attendant allowance, or a decision under subsection 31(8) to increase the rate of a pension or attendant allowance, being: (a) a decision of the Commission that has been affirmed by the Board; or (b) a decision of the Board that was made in substitution for a decision of the Commission; the Administrative Appeals Tribunal need not make another decision in substitution for the decision so set aside. (8) Notwithstanding subsection 43(1) of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal sets aside a decision: (a) to cancel or suspend a pension under section 56E; or (b) to reduce the rate of a pension under section 56D; or (c) to increase the rate of a pension under section 56C; and the decision was one that was: (d) affirmed by the Commission under section 57B; or (e) made by the Commission in substitution for a decision set aside under section 57B; the Administrative Appeals Tribunal need not make another decision in substitution for the decision set aside by it. (9) Despite subsection 43(1) of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, if the Administrative Appeals Tribunal: (a) sets aside a decision that a person ceases to be entitled to a seniors health card; and (b) the decision was one that was: (i) affirmed by the Commission under section 118ZU; or (ii) made by the Commission in substitution for a decision set aside under that section; the Tribunal need not make another decision in substitution for the decision set aside by it. 177 Effective dates of certain determinations relating to payment of pension or seniors health card (1) This section is in addition to, and not in substitution for, any of the provisions of section 43 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 in their application to proceedings for a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of a reviewable decision. (2) Where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, upon application made under subsection 175(1) for a review of a decision of the Commission that has been affirmed or varied by a decision of the Board or a decision of the Board made in substitution for a decision of the Commission, grants a pension (not being a service pension or income support supplement) or attendant allowance, or increases the rate at which a pension (not being a service pension or income support supplement) is to be paid, the Tribunal may approve payment of the pension or of attendant allowance, or payment of the pension at the increased rate, as the case may be: (a) if the application is made within 3 months after service on the applicant of a document setting out the terms of that decision of the Board-from a date not earlier than the earliest date as from which the Board could, if it had granted a pension or attendant allowance or increased the rate of the pension, have approved payment of the pension or attendant allowance, or payment of the pension at an increased rate, as the case may be; or (b) in any other case: (i) if the review relates to a claim in accordance with section 14- from a date not more than 6 months before the date on which the application under subsection 175(1) was made; or (ii) if the review relates to an application in accordance with section 15, or to an application for attendant allowance- from the date on which the application under subsection 175(1) was made. (3) Where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, on a review of a decision of a kind described in subsection 176(7), (8) or (9), varies or sets aside that decision, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal may fix, as the date as from which its decision (including any decision made by it in substitution for the decision set aside) is to operate, a date, being: (a) if application for the review was made within 3 months after service on the applicant of a copy of the decision of the Board or the Commission, as the case may be-a date not earlier than the date as from which the decision under review was to operate; or (b) in any other case-a date not earlier than the date on which the application was made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. (4) Where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal fixes, as the date from which its decision to set aside a decision of the Commission, or of the Board, to cancel a pension is to have operated, a date (in this subsection referred to as the later date) after the date (in this subsection referred to as the earlier date) on which that pension was to be cancelled, that decision to cancel that pension shall, by force of this subsection, have effect, and be deemed to have had effect, as if it had not cancelled that pension but had suspended it from that earlier date until that later date. (5) Where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, upon application made under subsection 175(2) for a review of a decision of the Commission under section 57B, grants a pension or increases the rate at which a pension is to be paid, the Tribunal may approve payment of the pension, or payment of the pension at the increased rate, as the case may be: (a) if the application is made within 3 months after the service on the applicant of a document setting out the terms of that decision of the Commission made under section 57B-from a date not earlier than the earliest date as from which the Commission could, if it had, on its review under section 57B, granted a pension or increased the rate of the pension, have approved payment of the pension, or payment of the pension at the increased rate, as the case may be; or (b) in any other case-from the date on which the application under subsection 175(2) was made. (5A) Subject to subsections (5B) and (5C), if the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, upon application made under subsection 175(2AA) for a review of a decision of the Commission under section 118ZU, determines that a person is entitled to a seniors health card, the determination takes effect from a date specified by the Tribunal. (5B) If the application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal is made within 3 months after the service on the applicant of a document setting out the terms of the decision of the Commission made under section 118ZU, the date specified by the Tribunal must not be earlier than the date from which, had the Commission determined that the person is entitled to a seniors health card, such a determination could have taken effect. (5C) If subsection (5B) does not apply to a person, the date specified by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal must not be earlier than the date on which the application under subsection 175(2AA) was made. (6) Where the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, upon application under subsection 175(4) for a review of a decision made by the Commission with respect to an application for an allowance under section 97, 102, 103 or 104, grants the allowance referred to in that section, or increases the rate at which the allowance so referred to is to be paid, the Tribunal may approve payment of the allowance, or of the allowance at the increased rate, as the case may be: (a) if the application was made within 3 months after service on the applicant of a document setting out the terms of that decision-from a date not earlier than the earliest date as from which the Commission could, if it had not made that decision, have approved payment of the allowance, or payment of the allowance at the increased rate, as the case may be; or (b) in any other case-from the date on which the application under subsection 175(4) was made. 178 Period of operation of certain decisions of Administrative Appeals Tribunal (1) Where, on a review of a reviewable decision, the decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal expressly, or in effect: (a) assesses a rate of pension or increased rate of pension; (b) refuses to grant a pension, on the ground that the extent of the incapacity of the veteran was insufficient to justify the grant of such a pension; (c) refuses to increase the rate of a pension; or (d) reduces the rate of a pension; that decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal shall, subject to subsection (2), be binding on the parties to the proceedings before that Tribunal for a period of 6 months commencing on the day on which that Tribunal makes the decision. (2) If, during the period referred to in subsection (1), the person to whom the pension is payable, or who was refused a pension, is of the opinion that his or her incapacity has increased, subsection (1) does not prevent: (a) the person from making application for an increased pension or for a pension; or (b) the grant of increased pension or of a pension, from a date within that period, by the Commission upon its consideration of such an application or by the Board on a review of the decision of the Commission on such an application. (3) In this section, pension does not include service pension or income support supplement. Part XI-The Repatriation Commission Division 1-Establishment, functions and powers 179 Continuance of Commission (1) The body corporate that was, immediately before the commencement of this Act, in existence, by virtue of section 7 of the Repatriation Act 1920, under the name Repatriation Commission continues in existence, by force of this subsection, under and subject to the provisions of this Act. (2) The Commission: (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; (b) shall have a seal; and (c) may sue and be sued. (3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially shall take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal of the Commission appearing on a document and shall presume that the document was duly sealed. (4) Debts incurred by the Commission in the performance of its functions shall, for all purposes, be deemed debts incurred by the Commonwealth. 180 Functions of Commission (1) The functions of the Commission are: (a) to grant pensions, allowances and other benefits to veterans, dependants of veterans and certain other persons under and in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (b) to establish, operate and maintain hospitals and other institutions for the provision of treatment for veterans, dependants of veterans and other persons eligible to be provided with treatment under Part V; (c) to arrange for the provision of treatment and other services for veterans, dependants of veterans and other persons in accordance with this Act; (d) to provide the Minister with information concerning, and to advise the Minister on, matters relating to the operation of this Act, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, matters relating to pensions, allowances and other benefits for veterans, and dependants of veterans, incapacitated from injury or disease suffered as a result of service in a war or in war-like operations and for dependants of veterans whose deaths are attributable to any such service; and (e) such other functions as are conferred on the Commission by this or any other Act. (2) The Commission shall, subject to the control of the Minister, have the general administration of this Act. 180A Determination by Commission (1) If: (a) the Repatriation Medical Authority has determined, or has declared that it does not propose to make or amend, a Statement of Principles in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death (see section 196B); and (b) the Commission is of the opinion that, because the Statement of Principles is in force, or because of the decision by the Authority not to make or amend the Statement of Principles: (i) claims for pensions in respect of incapacity from injury or disease of that kind made by veterans, members of the Forces, or members of a Peacekeeping Force, of a particular class; or (ii) claims for pensions made by dependants of those veterans or members in respect of the death of such a veteran or member; cannot succeed; and (c) the Commission is also of the opinion that, in all the circumstances of the case, those veterans, members or their dependants should receive a pension; the Commission may, in its discretion, make a determination in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death under subsection (2) or (3), or determinations under both subsections (as the case requires). Note: For member of the Forces and member of a Peacekeeping Force see subsection 5Q(1A). (2) A determination under this subsection in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death must be by legislative instrument and must: (a) state that it has effect only in relation to the class of veterans, members of the Forces, or members of a Peacekeeping Force referred to in subparagraph (1)(b)(i); and (b) state that it applies only in respect of claims relating to: (i) operational service rendered by a veteran; or (ii) peacekeeping service rendered by a member of a Peacekeeping Force; or (iii) hazardous service rendered by a member of the Forces; and (c) set out: (i) the factors that must as a minimum exist; and (ii) which of those factors must be related to service rendered by a person; before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting an injury, disease or death of that kind with the circumstances of that service. Note 1: For peacekeeping service and hazardous service see subsection 5Q(1A). Note 2: For factor related to service see subsection (7). (3) A determination under this subsection in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death must be by legislative instrument and must: (a) state that it has effect only in relation to the class of veterans or members of the Forces referred to in subparagraph (1)(b)(i); and (b) state that it applies only in respect of claims relating to: (i) eligible war service (other than operational service) rendered by a veteran; or (ii) defence service (other than hazardous service) rendered by a member of the Forces; and (c) set out: (i) the factors that must exist; and (ii) which of those factors must be related to service rendered by a person; before it can be said, on the balance of probabilities, that an injury, disease or death of that kind is connected with the circumstances of that service. Note 1: For defence service and hazardous service see subsection 5Q(1A). Note 2: For factor related to service see subsection (7). (5) While there is in force under subsection (2) a determination in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, any Statement of Principles in force under subsection 196B(2) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death does not apply in respect of any veteran, member of the Forces, member of any Peacekeeping Force or dependant in relation to whom the determination has effect. (6) While there is in force under subsection (3) a determination in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, any Statement of Principles in force under subsection 196B(3) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death does not apply in respect of any veteran or member of the Forces or dependant in relation to whom the determination has effect. (7) A factor causing, or contributing to, an injury, disease or death is related to service rendered by a person if: (a) it resulted from an occurrence that happened while the person was rendering that service; or (b) it arose out of, or was attributable to, that service; or (c) it resulted from an accident that occurred while the person was travelling, while rendering that service but otherwise than in the course of duty, on a journey: (i) to a place for the purpose of performing duty; or (ii) away from a place of duty upon having ceased to perform duty; or (d) it was contributed to in a material degree by, or was aggravated by, that service; or (e) in the case of a factor causing, or contributing to, an injury- it resulted from an accident that would not have occurred: (i) but for the rendering of that service by the person; or (ii) but for changes in the person's environment consequent upon his or her having rendered that service; or (f) in the case of a factor causing, or contributing to, a disease- it would not have occurred: (i) but for the rendering of that service by the person; or (ii) but for changes in the person's environment consequent upon his or her having rendered that service; or (g) in the case of a factor causing, or contributing to, the death of a person-it was due to an accident that would not have occurred, or to a disease that would not have been contracted: (i) but for the rendering of that service by the person; or (ii) but for changes in the person's environment consequent upon his or her having rendered that service. 181 Powers of Commission (1) The Commission has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions, duties and powers. (2) The generality of subsection (1) shall not be taken to be limited by any other provision of this Act conferring a power on the Commission. (3) The Commission has power, for or in connection with the performance of its functions: (a) to enter into contracts; (b) to acquire, hold and dispose of real or personal property; (c) to erect buildings and structures and carry out works; and (d) to engage persons to perform services for the Commission. (4) The Commission may engage a person under paragraph (3)(d) even if the contract under which the person is engaged provides benefits to the person that are normally provided only to persons who are engaged as employees. (5) Where a person is engaged under paragraph (3)(d) and the contract under which the person is engaged provides benefits to the person that are normally provided only to persons who are engaged as employees, the contract shall, for the purposes of this Act and any other law of the Commonwealth be taken to be a contract for the performance of services and not a contract of employment. Division 2-Constitution and meetings of Commission 182 Membership of the Commission (1) The Commission shall consist of not less than 3 and not more than 5 commissioners. (2) The commissioners shall be appointed by the Governor-General. (3) The Minister may, from time to time, request organizations representing veterans to submit to the Minister lists of names of persons from which the organization concerned recommends that a selection be made of persons to serve as commissioners. (4) The Governor-General shall, in appointing a person to be a commissioner, ensure that, when the proposed appointment takes effect, one of the commissioners, at least, will be a person whose name was, when the person was appointed, on a list submitted in accordance with a request made under subsection (3). (5) Subject to section 184, a commissioner holds office on a full- time basis. (7) A commissioner holds office for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment, but is eligible for re-appointment. (8) A commissioner holds office on such terms and conditions (if any), in respect of matters not provided for by this Act, as are determined by the Governor-General by instrument in writing. (9) The appointment of a commissioner is not invalidated, and shall not be called in question, by reason of a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment. (10) In this section, appointment includes re-appointment. 183 President and Deputy President (1) The Governor-General shall appoint one of the commissioners to be the President and another commissioner to be the Deputy President. (2) The commissioner appointed to be the President or the Deputy President holds office as President or Deputy President until the expiration of the term of office that is current or commences at the time of his or her appointment, but ceases to be the President or Deputy President if the commissioner ceases to be a commissioner or resigns the office of President or Deputy President in accordance with subsection (3). (3) The commissioner appointed to be the President or the Deputy President may resign the office of President or Deputy President by writing signed by the commissioner and delivered to the Governor- General. (4) A commissioner is eligible to be re-appointed as the President or Deputy President. 184 Appointment of Secretary as a Commissioner and President The person holding office under the Public Service Act 1999 as Secretary to the Department may be appointed as a commissioner and as President while retaining the office of Secretary to the Department and, in that event: (a) the person shall perform his or her duties as commissioner and President concurrently with the performance of his or her duties as Secretary; and (b) the person shall cease to hold the offices of commissioner and President if the person ceases to hold office as Secretary; and (c) the person shall not be paid remuneration or allowances in the capacity of commissioner and President, but, for the purpose of the payment of allowances to the person, his or her duties as Secretary shall be deemed to include his or her duties as commissioner and President; and (d) subject to this section, the provisions of this Act, other than the provisions of section 185, apply to and in relation to the person as commissioner and President. 185 Remuneration and allowances (1) A commissioner shall be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, but, if no determination of that remuneration is in operation, the commissioner shall be paid such remuneration as is prescribed. (2) A commissioner shall be paid such allowances as are prescribed. (3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. 186 Leave of absence (1) A commissioner or an acting commissioner has such recreation leave entitlements as are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. (2) The Minister may grant a commissioner or an acting commissioner leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on such terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise as the Minister determines. 187 Resignation A commissioner may resign office by writing signed by the commissioner and delivered to the Governor-General. 188 Termination of appointment (1) The Governor-General may remove a commissioner from office on an address praying for his or her removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity being presented to the Governor-General by each House of the Parliament in the same session of the Parliament. (2) The Minister may suspend a commissioner from office on the ground of misbehaviour or physical or mental incapacity. (3) Where the Minister suspends a commissioner from office, the Minister shall cause a statement of the grounds of the suspension to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House after the suspension. (4) If, at the expiration of 15 sitting days of a House of the Parliament after the day on which the statement has been laid before that House, an address under subsection (1) has not been presented to the Governor-General by each House of the Parliament, the suspension terminates. (5) The suspension of a commissioner from office under this section does not affect any entitlement of the commissioner to be paid remuneration and allowances. (6) If: (a) a commissioner becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit; (b) a commissioner engages, except with the approval of the Minister, in paid employment outside the duties of his or her office; (c) a commissioner is absent from duty, except on leave of absence granted by the Minister, for 14 consecutive days or 28 days in any 12 months; or (d) a commissioner fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with his or her obligations under section 189 or 190; the Governor-General shall remove that commissioner from office. (7) The Governor-General may, with the consent of a commissioner who is: (a) an eligible employee for the purposes of the Superannuation Act 1976; or (b) a member of the superannuation scheme established by deed under the Superannuation Act 1990; or (c) an ordinary employer-sponsored member of PSSAP, within the meaning of the Superannuation Act 2005; by notice in writing, retire the commissioner on the ground of physical or mental incapacity. (7A) The notice must specify the day on which the commissioner is to be retired. (7B) The day specified in the notice must not be a day earlier than the day on which the Governor-General signed the notice. (8) A commissioner shall not be suspended, removed or retired from office except as provided by this section. (9) In spite of anything contained in this section, a commissioner who: (a) is an eligible employee for the purposes of the Superannuation Act 1976; and (b) has not reached his or her maximum retiring age (within the meaning of that Act); is not capable of being retired from office on the ground of invalidity (within the meaning of Part IVA of that Act) unless the Board (within the meaning of that Act) has given a certificate under section 54C of that Act. (10) In spite of anything contained in this section, a commissioner who: (a) is a member of the superannuation scheme established by deed under the Superannuation Act 1990; and (b) is under 60 years of age; is not capable of being retired from office on the ground of invalidity (within the meaning of that Act) unless the Board (within the meaning of that Act) has given a certificate under section 13 of that Act. (11) In spite of anything contained in this section, a commissioner who: (a) is an ordinary employer-sponsored member of PSSAP, within the meaning of the Superannuation Act 2005; and (b) is under 60 years of age; is not capable of being retired from office on the ground of invalidity (within the meaning of that Act) unless the Board (within the meaning of that Act) has given an approval and certificate under section 43 of that Act. 189 Commissioner to disclose any interest in claims for pensions etc. (1) For the purposes of this section: (a) a claim or application for a pension that the Commission is considering or is to consider; (b) a pension that the Commission is reviewing or is to review; and (c) a decision in relation to: (i) a pension; or (ii) a claim or application for a pension; that the Commission is reviewing or is to review; are each a matter to which this section applies. (2) Where a commissioner has, or acquires, any interest, pecuniary or otherwise, that could conflict with the proper performance of his or her functions in relation to a matter to which this section applies, the commissioner: (a) shall disclose the interest to the claimant, applicant or person receiving the pension, as the case requires, and to the Minister; and (b) except with the consent of the claimant, applicant or person receiving the pension, as the case requires, and of the Minister, shall not take part in the consideration or review of the matter by the Commission. (3) Where the Minister becomes aware that: (a) the Commission is considering or reviewing, or is to consider or review, a matter to which this section applies; and (b) a commissioner has, in relation to the matter, an interest of a kind described in subsection (2); the Minister shall: (c) if the Minister considers that the commissioner should not take part in, or continue to take part in, the consideration or review of the matter by the Commission-give a direction to the commissioner accordingly; or (d) in any other case-cause the interest of the commissioner to be disclosed to the claimant, applicant or person receiving the pension, as the case requires. (4) In this section a reference to the Commission reviewing a decision shall be read as including a reference to the Commission considering whether to review the decision. (5) In this section: commissioner includes an acting commissioner. pension means a pension under Part II or IV, a service pension, income support supplement, or an allowance or other benefit under this Act. 190 Commissioner to disclose other interests (1) A commissioner who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the Commission (not being a matter to which section 189 applies) shall, as soon as possible after the relevant facts have come to his or her knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest at a meeting of the Commission. (2) A disclosure under subsection (1) shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting of the Commission and the commissioner shall not, unless the Minister or the Commission otherwise determines: (a) be present during any deliberation of the Commission with respect to that matter; or (b) take part in any decision of the Commission with respect to that matter. (3) For the purpose of the making of a determination by the Commission under subsection (2) in relation to a commissioner who has made a disclosure under subsection (1), a commissioner who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the matter to which the disclosure relates shall not: (a) be present during any deliberation of the Commission for the purpose of making the determination; or (b) take part in the making by the Commission of the determination. (4) In this section, commissioner includes an acting commissioner. 191 Acting commissioners (1) The Minister may appoint a person to act in the office of a commissioner: (a) during a vacancy in that office; or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when the holder of that office: (i) is absent from duty or from Australia; (ii) is suspended under section 188; or (iii) is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions of that office. (2) An appointment of a person under subsection (1) may be expressed to have effect only in such circumstances as are specified in the instrument of appointment. (3) A person appointed to act during a vacancy in an office of commissioner shall not continue so to act for more than 12 months. (4) The Minister may: (a) determine the terms and conditions of appointment, including remuneration and allowances, of a person appointed under this section; and (b) at any time, terminate such an appointment. (5) Where a person is acting in the office of a commissioner in accordance with paragraph (1)(b) and that office becomes vacant while that person is so acting, that person may, subject to subsections (2) and (6), continue so to act until the Minister otherwise directs, the vacancy is filled or a period of 12 months from the date on which the vacancy occurred expires, whichever first happens. (6) The appointment of a person to act in the office of a commissioner ceases to have effect if the person resigns the appointment by writing signed by the person and delivered to the Minister. (7) While a person is acting in an office of a commissioner, the person has, and may exercise, all the powers, and shall perform all the functions, of the commissioner in whose office the person is acting. (8) The validity of anything done by a person purporting to act under subsection (1) shall not be called in question on the ground that the occasion for the person's appointment had not arisen, that there is a defect or irregularity in or in connection with the person's appointment, that the person's appointment had ceased to have effect or that the occasion for the person to act had not arisen or had ceased. 192 Acting President or Deputy President (1) In this section, an office to which this section applies is: (a) the office of President of the Commission; or (b) the office of Deputy President of the Commission. (2) Subject to section 193, the Minister may appoint one of the commissioners to act in an office to which this section applies: (a) during a vacancy in that office; or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when the holder of that office: (i) is absent from duty or from Australia; (ii) is suspended under section 188; (iii) being the Deputy President, is acting in the office of President of the Commission in pursuance of an appointment under this section or section 193; or (iv) is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions of that office. (3) An appointment of a commissioner under subsection (2) may be expressed to have effect only in such circumstances as are specified in the instrument of appointment. (4) A commissioner appointed to act during a vacancy in an office to which this section applies shall not continue so to act for more than 12 months. (5) The Minister may: (a) determine the terms and conditions of appointment, including remuneration and allowances, of a commissioner appointed, under this section, to act in an office to which this section applies; and (b) at any time, terminate the appointment. (6) The appointment of a commissioner to act in an office to which this section applies ceases to have effect: (a) if the commissioner ceases to be a commissioner; (b) if the commissioner is suspended from office under section 188; or (c) if the commissioner resigns the appointment by writing signed by the commissioner and delivered to the Minister. (7) Where a commissioner is acting in an office to which this section applies in accordance with paragraph (2)(b) and that office becomes vacant while the commissioner is so acting, that commissioner may, subject to subsections (3) and (6), continue so to act until the Minister otherwise determines, the vacancy is filled or a period of 12 months from the date on which the vacancy occurred expires, whichever first happens. (8) While a commissioner is acting in an office to which this section applies, the commissioner has, and may exercise, all the powers, and shall perform all the functions, of that office. (9) The validity of anything done by a commissioner purporting to act under subsection (2) shall not be called in question on the ground that the occasion for the commissioner's appointment had not arisen, that there is a defect or irregularity in or in connection with the commissioner's appointment, that the commissioner's appointment had ceased to have effect or that the occasion for the commissioner to act had not arisen or had ceased. (10) The Minister may appoint a person who holds an appointment as acting commissioner under section 191 to act in an office to which this section applies as if the reference in subsection (2) of this section to one of the commissioners included a reference to a person holding an appointment as acting commissioner under section 191 and, if the Minister does so: (a) subsections (3) to (9), inclusive, of this section apply to and in relation to the person as if the references in those subsections to a commissioner included references to an acting commissioner; and (b) without limiting the application of those subsections in accordance with paragraph (a) of this subsection, the person so appointed is not entitled to act in that office in pursuance of the appointment under subsection (2) of this section at any time when the person is not acting in an office of commissioner in pursuance of an appointment under section 191. 193 Appointment to act as President and also Secretary (1) This section applies to: (a) the office of President of the Commission; and (b) the office, under the Public Service Act 1999, of Secretary to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. (2) The Governor-General may appoint a commissioner to act in both of the offices to which this section applies: (a) during a period, or during all periods, when there are vacancies in both of those offices; or (b) if another commissioner holds both of those offices-during any period, or during all periods, when that other commissioner: (i) is absent from duty or from Australia; (ii) is suspended under section 188; or (iii) is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions of those offices. (3) An appointment of a commissioner under this section may be expressed to have effect only in such circumstances as are specified in the instrument of appointment. (4) A commissioner appointed to act during vacancies in both of the offices to which this section applies shall not continue so to act for more than 12 months. (5) An appointment under subsection (2), by reason of vacancies in both of the offices to which this section applies, shall not be made after the expiration of a period of 12 months after the date of the occurrence of the vacancies or, if the vacancies did not both occur on the same date, after the date of the occurrence of the vacancy in the office that last became vacant. (6) Where a commissioner is acting in both of the offices to which this section applies in accordance with paragraph (2)(b), and those offices both become vacant at the same time while the commissioner is so acting, the commissioner may continue so to act until the Governor-General otherwise directs, the vacancy in either of the offices is filled or a period of 12 months from the date on which those vacancies occurred expires, whichever first happens. (7) Subject to this section, the Governor-General may: (a) determine the terms and conditions of appointment of a commissioner appointed under this section; and (b) at any time terminate such an appointment. (8) A person appointed under subsection (2): (a) shall, in the capacity of a person appointed to act as Secretary to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, be paid such remuneration and allowances as the Governor-General determines; and (b) shall not be paid remuneration or allowances in the capacity of commissioner or in the capacity of Acting President. (9) For the purpose of payment of allowances under paragraph (8)(a) to a person appointed under subsection (2), the duties appertaining to the office of Secretary to the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall be deemed to include the duties appertaining to the office of commissioner and to the office of President of the Commission. (10) The appointment of a commissioner under this section ceases to have effect if the commissioner resigns the appointment by writing signed by the commissioner and delivered to the Governor-General. (11) While a commissioner is acting in the offices to which this section applies, the commissioner has, and may exercise, all the powers, and shall perform all the functions, of the holder of each of those offices. (12) The validity of anything done by or in relation to a commissioner appointed under this section shall not be called in question on the ground that the occasion for the commissioner's appointment had not arisen, that there is a defect or irregularity in or in connection with the commissioner's appointment, that the commissioner's appointment (not being an appointment to act during vacancies in both of the offices to which this section applies) had ceased to have effect or that the occasion for the commissioner to act had not arisen or had ceased. (13) The Governor-General may appoint a person who holds an appointment as acting commissioner under section 191 to act in both the offices to which this section applies as if the reference in subsection (2) of this section to a commissioner (first occurring) included a reference to a person holding an appointment as an acting commissioner under section 191 and, if the Governor-General does so: (a) subsections (3) to (12), inclusive, of this section apply to and in relation to the person as if the references in those subsections to a commissioner included references to an acting commissioner; and (b) without limiting the application of those subsections in accordance with paragraph (a) of this subsection, the person so appointed is not entitled to act in those offices in pursuance of the appointment under subsection (2) of this section at any time when the person is not acting in an office of commissioner in pursuance of an appointment under section 191. 194 Appointments (1) The Governor-General may, in the same instrument: (a) appoint a person, under section 182, to be a commissioner and appoint the person, under section 183, to be the President or Deputy President; or (b) appoint a person, under section 182, to be a commissioner and appoint the person, under section 193, to act in both the offices to which that section applies; and, if the Governor-General does so, the appointment under section 183 or 193, as the case may be, (in this subsection called the second appointment) shall take effect: (c) if a date, being a date after the date on which the appointment under section 182 takes effect, is specified in the instrument of appointment as the date on which the second appointment is to take effect-on the date so specified; or (d) in any other case-immediately after the appointment under section 182 takes effect. (2) The Minister may, in the same instrument, appoint a person, under section 191, (in this subsection called the first appointment) to act in the office of a commissioner and appoint the person, under section 192, (in this subsection called the second appointment) to act in an office to which that section applies and, if the Minister does so, the second appointment shall take effect: (a) if a date, being a date after the date on which the first appointment takes effect, is specified in the instrument of appointment as the date on which the second appointment is to take effect-on the date so specified; or (b) in any other case-immediately after the first appointment takes effect. 195 Meetings (1) The Commission shall hold such meetings as are necessary for the performance of its functions. (2) The President: (a) shall convene such meetings of the Commission as the President considers necessary for the efficient performance of its functions; and (b) shall convene a meeting of the Commission on receipt of a written request signed by a number of commissioners equal to or exceeding a majority of the commissioners for the time being holding office. (3) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Commission at which the President is present. (4) In the absence of the President from a meeting of the Commission, the Deputy President shall preside at the meeting if the Deputy President is present. (5) In the absence of both the President and Deputy President from a meeting of the Commission, the commissioners present at the meeting shall elect one of their number to preside at the meeting. (6) At a meeting of the Commission: (a) a quorum is constituted by: (i) if the Commission is constituted by 3 commissioners-2 commissioners; or (ii) in any other case-3 commissioners; (b) all questions shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the commissioners present and voting; (c) the commissioner presiding has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, does not have a casting vote; and (d) in the event of an equality of votes on a question, the question shall be taken to have been decided in the negative. (7) The Commission may, subject to this section, regulate the conduct of proceedings at its meetings as it thinks fit and shall cause minutes of those proceedings to be kept. (8) In this section: commissioner includes an acting commissioner. Deputy President includes an acting Deputy President. President includes an acting President. Division 3-Staff 196 Staff The staff necessary to assist the Commission shall be persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 and made available for the purpose by the Secretary. Part XIA-The Repatriation Medical Authority Division 1-Establishment, functions and powers 196A Establishment of Authority (1) A Repatriation Medical Authority is established. (2) The Repatriation Medical Authority: (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and (b) has a common seal; and (c) may sue and be sued. (3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially must: (a) take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal of the Authority appearing on a document; and (b) presume that the document was duly sealed. (4) Debts incurred by the Authority in the performance of its functions are, for all purposes, taken to be debts incurred by the Commonwealth. 196B Functions of Authority (1) This section sets out the functions of the Repatriation Medical Authority. The main function of the Authority is to determine Statements of Principles for the purposes of this Act and the MRCA. Determination of Statement of Principles (2) If the Authority is of the view that there is sound medical- scientific evidence that indicates that a particular kind of injury, disease or death can be related to: (a) operational service rendered by veterans; or (b) peacekeeping service rendered by members of Peacekeeping Forces; or (c) hazardous service rendered by members of the Forces; or (ca) warlike or non-warlike service rendered by members; the Authority must determine a Statement of Principles in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death setting out: (d) the factors that must as a minimum exist; and (e) which of those factors must be related to service rendered by a person; before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting an injury, disease or death of that kind with the circumstances of that service. Note 1: For sound medical-scientific evidence see subsection 5AB(2). Note 2: For peacekeeping service, member of a Peacekeeping Force, hazardous service and member of the Forces referred to in paragraphs (2)(b) and (c), see subsection 5Q(1A). Note 2A: For warlike service, non-warlike service and members referred to in paragraph (2)(ca), see section 196KA. (These definitions are for the purposes of the MRCA.) Note 3: For factor related to service see subsection (14). (3) If the Authority is of the view that on the sound medical- scientific evidence available it is more probable than not that a particular kind of injury, disease or death can be related to: (a) eligible war service (other than operational service) rendered by veterans; or (b) defence service (other than hazardous service) rendered by members of the Forces; or (ba) peacetime service rendered by members; the Authority must determine a Statement of Principles in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death setting out: (c) the factors that must exist; and (d) which of those factors must be related to service rendered by a person; before it can be said that, on the balance of probabilities, an injury, disease or death of that kind is connected with the circumstances of that service. Note 1: For sound medical-scientific evidence see subsection 5AB(2). Note 2: For defence service and hazardous service referred to in paragraph (3)(b), see subsection 5Q(1A). Note 2A: For peacetime service and members referred to in paragraph (3)(ba), see section 196KA. (These definitions are for the purposes of the MRCA.) Note 3: For factor related to service see subsection (14). (3A) The Authority may determine a Statement of Principles under subsection (2) or (3) for the purposes of this Act, the MRCA, or both Acts. Investigation (4) If the Authority: (a) receives a request under section 196E to carry out an investigation in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) of its own initiative, decides that a particular kind of injury, disease or death ought to be investigated for the purposes of this Act, or the MRCA, to find out whether a Statement of Principles may be determined in respect of it; the Authority must carry out an investigation to obtain information that would enable the Authority to establish: (c) how the injury may be suffered or sustained, the disease may be contracted or the death may occur; and (d) the extent (if any) to which: (i) the injury, disease or death may be war-caused or defence- caused; or (ii) the injury, disease or death may be a service injury, a service disease or a service death. Note 1: For war-caused see sections 8 and 9. Note 2: For defence-caused see section 69. Note 3: For service injury, service disease and service death see section 196KA. (These definitions are for the purposes of the MRCA.) (5) If, after carrying out the investigation, the Authority is of the view that there is sound medical-scientific evidence on which it can rely to determine a Statement of Principles under subsection (2) or (3), in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death, the Authority must do so as soon as practicable. Note: This subsection does not mean that the Authority must carry out an investigation before it can determine a Statement of Principles under subsection (2) or (3). (6) If, after carrying out the investigation, the Authority is of the view: (a) that there is no sound medical-scientific evidence on which it can rely to determine a Statement of Principles under subsection (2) or (3) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) that the sound medical-scientific evidence on which it can rely is insufficient to allow it to do so; the Authority must make a declaration in writing: (c) stating that it does not propose to make a Statement of Principles; and (d) giving the reasons for its decision. Subsequent investigation and review of determinations concerning Statement of Principles (7) If the Authority: (a) is asked under section 196E to review: (i) some or all of the contents of a Statement of Principles; or (ii) a decision of the Authority not to make a Statement of Principles in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) thinks that there are grounds for such a review; or (c) is directed by the Review Council under subsection 196W(7) to carry out an investigation in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; the Authority must, subject to subsection 196C(4) and section 196CA in a case where paragraph (a) applies, carry out an investigation to find out if there is new information available about: (d) how the injury may be suffered or sustained, the disease may be contracted or the death may occur; or (e) the extent (if any) to which: (i) the injury, disease or death may be war-caused or defence- caused; or (ii) the injury, disease or death may be a service injury, a service disease or a service death. Note 1: For war-caused see sections 8 and 9. Note 2: For defence-caused see section 69. Note 3: For service injury, service disease and service death see section 196KA. (These definitions are for the purposes of the MRCA.) (7A) If the investigation: (a) relates to a request under section 196E to review some of the contents of a Statement of Principles; or (b) is one to which paragraph (7)(b) applies and that relates to some of the contents of a Statement of Principles; or (c) is carried out because of a direction under subsection 196W(7) by the Review Council following a request to the Council under section 196Z to review the Authority's refusal to carry out an investigation relating to a request under section 196E to review some of the contents of a Statement of Principles; the Authority may limit its investigation to matters relating to those contents. Note: For Review Council see subsection 5AB(1). (8) If, after carrying out the investigation, the Authority is of the view that there is a new body of sound medical-scientific evidence available that, together with the sound medical-scientific evidence previously considered by the Authority, justifies the making of a Statement of Principles, or an amendment of the Statement of Principles already determined, in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death, the Authority must: (a) determine a Statement of Principles in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death under subsection (2) or (3); or (b) make a determination amending the Statement of Principles determined under subsection (2) or (3) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; or (c) make a determination revoking the Statement of Principles determined under subsection (2) or (3), and determine a new Statement of Principles under subsection (2) or (3) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; as the case requires. Note: For sound medical-scientific evidence see subsection 5AB(2). (9) If, after carrying out the investigation, the Authority is of the view: (a) that there is no new sound medical-scientific evidence about that kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) that the new sound medical-scientific evidence available is not sufficient to justify the making of a Statement of Principles, or an amendment of the Statement of Principles already determined in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; the Authority must make a declaration in writing: (c) stating that it does not propose to make a Statement of Principles, or amend the Statement of Principles already determined (as the case may be); and (d) giving the reasons for its decision. (10) If the Review Council has, by a decision notified in the Gazette, directed the Authority to amend a Statement of Principles in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, the Authority must make a determination amending the Statement of Principles determined in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death in accordance with the directions of the Council. (11) If, after reviewing a decision of the Authority not to determine a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(2) in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, the Review Council has, by a decision notified in the Gazette, directed the Authority to make such a Statement of Principles, the Authority must determine a Statement of Principles in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death setting out, in accordance with the directions of the Council: (a) the factors that must as a minimum exist; and (b) which of those factors must be related to service rendered by a person; before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting an injury, disease or death of that kind with the circumstances of that service. Note 1: For factor related to service see subsection (14). Note 2: The Statement of Principles may be determined for the purposes of this Act, the MRCA, or both Acts, in accordance with the directions of the Council (see subsection 196W(4A)). (12) If, after reviewing a decision of the Authority not to determine a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(3) in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, the Review Council has, by a decision notified in the Gazette, directed the Authority to make such a Statement of Principles, the Authority must determine a Statement of Principles in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death setting out, in accordance with the directions of the Council: (a) the factors that must exist; and (b) which of those factors must be related to service rendered by a person; before it can be said that, on the balance of probabilities, an injury, disease or death of that kind is connected with the circumstances of that service. Note 1: For factor related to service see subsection (14). Note 2: The Statement of Principles may be determined for the purposes of this Act, the MRCA, or both Acts, in accordance with the directions of the Council (see subsection 196W(4A)). (13) Despite section 12 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, a determination under subsection (10) of this section amending a Statement of Principles, or a Statement of Principles under subsection (11) or (12) is to be taken to have had effect from the day on which the decision of the Review Council was notified in the Gazette. The determination or Statement of Principles must specify that day. (13A) A determination under this section: (a) must be in writing; and (b) is a legislative instrument. (14) A factor causing, or contributing to, an injury, disease or death is related to service rendered by a person if: (a) it resulted from an occurrence that happened while the person was rendering that service; or (b) it arose out of, or was attributable to, that service; or (c) it resulted from an accident that occurred while the person was travelling, while rendering that service but otherwise than in the course of duty, on a journey: (i) to a place for the purpose of performing duty; or (ii) away from a place of duty upon having ceased to perform duty; or (d) it was contributed to in a material degree by, or was aggravated by, that service; or (e) in the case of a factor causing, or contributing to, an injury- it resulted from an accident that would not have occurred: (i) but for the rendering of that service by the person; or (ii) but for changes in the person's environment consequent upon his or her having rendered that service; or (f) in the case of a factor causing, or contributing to, a disease- it would not have occurred: (i) but for the rendering of that service by the person; or (ii) but for changes in the person's environment consequent upon his or her having rendered that service; or (g) in the case of a factor causing, or contributing to, the death of a person-it was due to an accident that would not have occurred, or to a disease that would not have been contracted: (i) but for the rendering of that service by the person; or (ii) but for changes in the person's environment consequent upon his or her having rendered that service. 196C Powers of Authority with respect to investigations (1) The Repatriation Medical Authority may not, for the purposes of an investigation, carry out any new research work (including any test or experiment). (2) The Authority may, for the purposes of an investigation, ask the Secretary: (a) to forward to the Authority any information: (i) in the possession of the Secretary; or (ii) that the Secretary may obtain; relating to the kind of injury, disease or death under investigation; or (b) to carry out research (including any test or experiment) to obtain, confirm, or disprove, specific information about that kind of injury, disease or death and forward a report to the Authority. (3) In forming any view during the investigation, the Authority: (a) may rely only on sound medical-scientific evidence: (i) that has been submitted to it; or (ii) that it has obtained on its own initiative or from the Secretary (under subsection (2)) or from a consultant; and (b) must consider and evaluate all the evidence so made available to it. (4) If: (a) the Authority has carried out the investigation in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; and (b) within 12 months after the Authority has, at the end of the investigation: (i) determined or amended a Statement of Principles; or (ii) declared that it does not propose to make or amend a Statement of Principles; a person or organisation asks the Authority under section 196E to review: (iii) some or all of the contents of the Statement of Principles; or (iv) its decision not to make a Statement of Principles; and (c) the Authority thinks that there are no grounds for such a review; the Authority may decide not to carry out an investigation in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death. The Authority must then inform the person or organisation in writing of its decision, stating the reasons for it. 196CA Authority not required to investigate certain requests (1) The Authority may decide not to carry out an investigation in respect of a request for a review made under paragraph 196E(1)(e) or (f) if: (a) the request does not state the grounds on which the review is sought; or (b) the Authority considers that the request does not identify sufficient relevant information: (i) to support the grounds on which the review is sought; or (ii) to otherwise justify the review; or (c) the request is vexatious or frivolous. (2) If the Authority decides not to carry out an investigation, it must inform the person or organisation in writing of the decision, stating the reasons for it. 196CB Authority may consolidate requests If: (a) 2 or more requests for review are made under subsection 196E(1); and (b) the requests are in relation to the same injury, disease or death; the Authority may carry out one investigation in relation to those requests. 196E Request for an investigation, review etc. (1) Any of the following: (a) the Commission; (aa) the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission; (b) a person eligible to make a claim for a pension under Part II or IV of this Act; (ba) a person eligible to make a claim for compensation under section 319 of the MRCA; (c) an organisation representing veterans, Australian mariners, members of the Forces, members of Peacekeeping Forces, or members within the meaning of the MRCA, or their dependants; may request the Repatriation Medical Authority: (d) to carry out an investigation under subsection 196B(4) in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; or (e) to review a decision of the Authority under subsection 196B(6) not to make a Statement of Principles in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; or (f) to review some or all of the contents of a Statement of Principles in force under this Part. (2) A request under subsection (1) must: (a) be in a form approved by the Authority; and (b) be lodged at an office of the Authority in Australia in accordance with the directions of the Chairperson of the Authority under subsection (2A). (2A) The Chairperson of the Authority may give directions: (a) as to the manner of lodging requests, including electronic requests, with the Authority for the purposes of subsection (1); and (b) as to the time at which such requests are to be taken to have been so communicated. (3) If the request is a request for a review made under paragraph (1)(e) or (f), the request must also: (a) state the grounds on which the review is sought; and (b) identify any information relied on to support those grounds. 196F Submissions to the Authority (1) If the Repatriation Medical Authority is carrying out an investigation under subsection 196B(4) or (7), any person or organisation referred to in any of paragraphs 196E(1)(a) to (c) may make a submission in writing to the Authority on any matter (other than a legal matter) relevant to the investigation. (2) A person having expertise in a field relevant to the investigation may make a submission in writing to the Authority on any matter (other than a legal matter) within his or her expertise that is relevant to the investigation. (3) If an individual, the Commission, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission or an organisation has made a written submission, the individual or his or her representative, or a representative of the relevant Commission or of the organisation may, subject to subsection (4), appear before the Authority to make an oral submission complementing the written submission. The oral submission may not cover any legal matter. (4) A person or organisation may not be represented before the Authority by a legal practitioner. 196G Notice of investigation (1) As soon as practicable after the Repatriation Medical Authority: (a) has been asked under section 196E to carry out: (i) an investigation; or (ii) a review of a decision of the Authority not to make a Statement of Principles; or (iii) a review of some or all of the contents of a Statement of Principles; regarding a particular kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) has decided on its own initiative to carry out such an investigation or such a review; the Authority must publish in the Gazette a notice: (c) stating that the Authority intends to carry out an investigation in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; and (d) inviting persons or organisations authorised under subsection 196F(1) to do so to make written submissions to the Authority. (2) A notice is to specify: (a) the date on which the Authority will hold its first meeting for the purposes of the investigation; and (b) the date by which all submissions must have been received by the Authority. (3) A notice must be published in the Gazette at least 28 days before the date of the first meeting of the Authority. (4) A notice is not invalid merely because it fails to comply with subsection (2). 196H Copyright in submissions (1) The Repatriation Medical Authority is not the owner of any copyright subsisting in material (submitted material) contained in a submission made to the Authority for the purposes of an investigation under section 196B. (2) In spite of the Copyright Act 1968, the Authority does not infringe any copyright subsisting in submitted material if, in performing its functions or exercising its powers, the Authority does an act comprised in the copyright without the licence of the owner of the copyright. 196I Access to information (1) Subject to subsection (2), any person or organisation referred to in any of paragraphs 196E(1)(a) to (c) is entitled, on request made in writing to the Repatriation Medical Authority, to have reasonable access to any document containing information considered by the Authority for the purposes of an investigation. (2) The Authority may not disclose any personal information about a particular person if the information is likely to reveal the identity of that person. 196J Notice of decision not to make etc. Statement of Principles (1) When the Repatriation Medical Authority decides not to make, or not to review, a Statement of Principles, it must, within 14 days, notify the Commission or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (as the case requires) in writing of its decision. (2) If the decision is made following a request from a person or organisation under section 196E, the Authority must also notify the person or organisation in writing of its decision. 196K Repatriation Medical Authority to send information to Review Council The Repatriation Medical Authority must, within 28 days after being notified that the Review Council has been asked to review: (a) a Statement of Principles; or (b) its decision not to determine a Statement of Principles in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; or (c) its decision under subsection 196C(4) not to carry out an investigation in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; send to the Council a copy of all the information that was available to it when it: (d) determined, amended, or last amended, the Statement of Principles; or (e) decided, or last decided, not to determine a Statement of Principles in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; or (f) decided not to carry out the investigation. 196KA Definitions for the purposes of the MRCA In this Division: (a) for the purposes of paragraphs 196B(4)(d) and 196B(7)(e), service death has the same meaning as in the MRCA; and (b) for the purposes of paragraphs 196B(4)(d) and 196B(7)(e), service disease has the same meaning as in the MRCA; and (c) for the purposes of paragraphs 196B(4)(d) and 196B(7)(e), service injury has the same meaning as in the MRCA; and (d) for the purposes of paragraphs 196B(2)(ca) and 196B(3)(ba), members has the same meaning as in the MRCA; and (e) for the purposes of paragraph 196B(3)(ba), peacetime service has the same meaning as in the MRCA; and (f) for the purposes of paragraph 196B(2)(ca), non-warlike service does not have the meaning given by this Act but instead has the same meaning as in the MRCA; and (g) for the purposes of paragraph 196B(2)(ca), warlike service does not have the meaning given by this Act but instead has the same meaning as in the MRCA. Division 2-Constitution and meetings 196L Membership (1) The Repatriation Medical Authority consists of a Chairperson and 4 other members. (2) All members are to be appointed on a part-time basis by the Minister. (3) One of the members must be a person having at least 5 years experience in the field of epidemiology. 196M Qualifications The Minister is to appoint a person as Chairperson or as a member only if the person is a registered medical practitioner, or a medical scientist, with at least 10 years experience. 196N Tenure of office (1) Subject to this Act, a person appointed as Chairperson or as a member holds office for the period specified in the instrument of appointment. (2) A person may not hold office for a period of more than 5 years but is eligible for reappointment. 196O Resignation A member may resign from office by written notice given to the Minister. 196P Termination of appointment The Minister may terminate the appointment of a person as Chairperson or as a member: (a) for misbehaviour or for physical or mental incapacity; or (b) if he or she becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of a law for the relief of bankruptcy or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or assigns remuneration or property for their benefit. 196Q Acting Chairperson The Minister may appoint a member to act as Chairperson: (a) during a vacancy in the office of Chairperson, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or (b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Chairperson is absent from office. 196R Meetings (1) The Chairperson may convene meetings of the Repatriation Medical Authority as he or she considers necessary for the performance of its functions. The Chairperson may delegate this power to another member or to a member of the staff of the Authority. (2) The Chairperson presides at all meetings of the Authority. (3) At a meeting, 3 members constitute a quorum. (4) A question arising at a meeting is to be determined by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. The Chairperson has only a deliberative vote. (5) The Authority must keep minutes of the proceedings at each meeting. (6) Subject to this section, the Authority determines the procedures for convening its meetings and for conducting its business. 196S Remuneration and allowances (1) A member shall be paid such remuneration as is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal but, if no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, a member shall be paid such remuneration as the Minister determines in writing. (2) A member shall be paid such allowances as the Minister determines in writing. (3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. Division 3-Staff and consultants 196T Staff The staff necessary to assist the Repatriation Medical Authority consists of persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 and made available to the Authority by the Secretary. 196U Consultants (1) The Repatriation Medical Authority may, under written agreement, engage consultants to provide expert advice to the Authority about any disease, injury or death that the Authority is investigating. (2) The Authority may not engage a consultant without the approval of the Minister. Part XIB-The Specialist Medical Review Council Division 1-Establishment and functions 196V Establishment of Council (1) A Specialist Medical Review Council is established. (2) The Review Council: (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and (b) has a common seal; and (c) may sue and be sued. (3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially must: (a) take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal of the Review Council appearing on a document; and (b) presume that the document was duly sealed. (4) Debts incurred by the Review Council in the performance of its functions are, for all purposes, taken to be debts incurred by the Commonwealth. 196W Functions of Review Council (1) This section sets out the functions of the Review Council. (2) If the Council is asked under section 196Y to review: (a) some or all of the contents of a Statement of Principles in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) a decision of the Repatriation Medical Authority not to determine a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(2), or a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(3), in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death; subject to subsection (3), the Council must, for that purpose, carry out a review of all the information that was available to the Authority when it: (c) determined, amended, or last amended, the Statement of Principles; or (d) decided, or last decided, not to determine a Statement of Principles; in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death. (3) If the Council has been asked to review some or all of the contents of a Statement of Principles, the Council may carry out a review under subsection (2) only if: (a) the period within which the Statement of Principles may be disallowed under section 42 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 has ended; and (b) the Statement of Principles has not been disallowed. (4) If after carrying out the review, the Council is of the view that there is sound medical-scientific evidence on which the Authority could have relied: (a) to amend the Statement of Principles in force in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) to determine a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(2), or a Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(3), in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; the Council must make a declaration in writing stating its views, setting out the evidence in support and: (c) directing the Authority to amend the Statement of Principles, or determine a Statement of Principles (as the case may be), in accordance with the directions given by the Council; or (d) remitting the matter for reconsideration in accordance with any directions or recommendations of the Council. (4A) The Council may give directions under subsection (4) for the purposes of this Act, the MRCA, or both Acts. (5) If, after carrying out the review, the Council is of the view: (a) that there is no sound medical-scientific evidence that justifies the making of a Statement of Principles, or an amendment of the Statement of Principles in force, in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; or (b) that the sound medical-scientific evidence available to the Authority is insufficient to justify the making of a Statement of Principles, or an amendment of the Statement of Principles, in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; the Council must make a declaration in writing to that effect giving the reasons for its decision. The Council may include in the declaration any recommendation that it considers fit to make about any future investigation that the Authority may carry out in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death. (6) If the Council is asked under section 196Z to review a decision of the Repatriation Medical Authority under subsection 196C(4) not to carry out an investigation in respect of a particular kind of injury, disease or death, the Council must consider: (a) the reasons given by the Authority for making the decision; and (b) the information on which it relied in making that decision; and (c) the grounds on which the request for the review was made and any submission made in support of those grounds. (7) If, after considering the matters referred to in paragraphs (6)(a), (b) and (c), the Council is of the view that: (a) there appears to be a new body of sound medical-scientific evidence in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death that has not been previously considered by the Authority; and (b) that new body of evidence, together with the sound medical- scientific evidence available to the Authority, could justify the making of a Statement of Principles, or an amendment of the Statement of Principles already determined, in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death; the Council must make a declaration in writing to that effect giving the reasons for its decision and directing the Authority to carry out an investigation under subsection 196B(7) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death. The Council may include in the declaration any recommendation or direction that the Council considers fit to make about the carrying out of the investigation. (8) If, after considering the matters referred to in paragraphs (6)(a), (b) and (c), the Council is not of the view referred to in subsection (7) in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death, the Council must make a declaration in writing: (a) affirming the decision of the Authority not to carry out the investigation; and (b) giving the reasons for its decision. The Council may include in the declaration any recommendation that it considers fit to make about any future investigation that the Authority may carry out in respect of that kind of injury, disease or death. 196X Notification of decision of Review Council to be notified in Gazette (1) A decision of the Rev