The SMRC is an independent statutory body that can be established to review a SoP that has been written by the RMA. The SMRC is independent of the Repatriation Commission, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) and the RMA.
Members of the SMRC are medical practitioners and scientists, appointed by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs on a part-time basis. SMRC members are selected for the purposes of each specific review of a SoP that is before the SMRC. Each review council must consist of at least three and not more than five members appointed by the Minister.
This manual contains a number of chapters, covering an introduction to the Statements of Principles system, sound medical-scientific evidence, and standards of proof. It includes a number of detailed appendices, including a history of the Australian Repatriation system, those Parts of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) which directly relate to the SMRC and the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA, whose decisions the SMRC reviews), a number of policy documents providing a detailed description of the SMRC’s operations, and the operations of the RMA.
Members wishing to obtain additional information about any aspect of the SMRC, SOPs, disability compensation or the Repatriation system should discuss their specific needs or interests with the SMRC Registrar.