Consultation Arrangements

In the process of carrying out investigations and reviews, and exercising its powers to determine SoPs, the RMA undertakes consultation with a wide range of interested parties and stakeholders via a number of long-standing arrangements. 

Commencing an investigation

  • The RMA advertises its intention to undertake an investigation (of a condition for which no SoP has been determined or a review of some or all of the contents of an existing SoP) in relation to a particular injury, disease or death in the Government Notices Gazette;
  • The RMA formally notifies key stakeholders to advise of the investigation;
  • The RMA includes an announcement of the investigation on its website, and includes the investigation in the list of outstanding investigations available on the website, as well as a copy of the Gazette notice.

The Gazette notice specifies who may make a submission, how and to where such a submission should be provided, and where further information may be obtained. A date for the first meeting of the RMA to consider the matter, and an indicative deadline for submissions, are included in each notice.

Finalising an investigation

  • Where the RMA finalises an investigation in relation to a particular injury, disease or death by determining new SoPs, revoking and reissuing existing SoPs or determining amendment SoPs, it registers the instruments with the Federal Register of Legislation (FRL – a section of the Attorney Generals Department). Each SoP, and an Explanatory Note, is published on the FRL website and tabled in both Houses of Parliament;
  • Where the RMA concludes an investigation in relation to a particular injury, disease or death by determining not to make or amend a SoP, or to revoke and not reissue a SoP, it publishes a declaration of the decision in the Government Notices Gazette;
  • The RMA formally notifies key stakeholders to advise of the decision;
  • The RMA includes an announcement of the decision reached in relation to a finalised investigation on its website, and includes a copy of either the SoP, the Amendment SoP or a declaration providing reasons for the decision, as applicable.

Consultation in relation to the repeal of a SoP or removal of a factor from a SoP

Where, as the result of the RMA investigation in relation to a particular injury, disease or death, it is proposed to revoke (and not reissue) SoPs or remove one or more factors from a SoP, the RMA formally notifies key stakeholders to advise of the proposed decision and provides a copy of the current SoP, the draft proposed SoP and a list of the medical-science utilised in arriving at its conclusions. Stakeholders are provided with a period of at least 2 months to make a submission in relation to the proposal before the RMA finalises its decision.

General consultation

The RMA also undertakes consultation with its stakeholders of a general nature by:

  • maintaining an up-to-date website with information about its activities, investigations and decisions, as well as a subscriber service and ‘contact us’ facility on the website, whereby feedback and comments can be provided;
  • regularly attending and addressing meetings with stakeholder organisations;
  • mail and email.