The Specialist Medical Review Council (SMRC) is an independent statutory body responsible to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
The legislative authority for the Specialist Medical Review Council is contained in Part XIB of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).
As part of the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio the Specialist Medical Review Council provides, on request, a service to a person who is eligible to make a claim for a pension under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (and organisations as provided for in the same Act), and a person who is eligible to make a claim for compensation under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (and organisations as provided for in the same Act).
On request from an eligible person or organisation the Specialist Medical Review Council reviews decisions made by the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) in respect to the contents of a Statement of Principles, to not to issue a Statement of Principles, or to amend a Statement of Principles, or to not to carry out an investigation under section 196C(4) of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
The Specialist Medical Review Council consists of medical practitioners and medical scientists appointed as Councillors by the Minister and selected by the Convener of the Specialist Medical Review Council for a particular review (3-5 Councillors) on the basis of their expertise in the injury or disease relevant to the Statement of Principles subject to review. For a list of members, see Our Members
The Specialist Medical Review Council’s Secretariat staff are employees of Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
For details on the SMRC’s review process see The SMRC Process of Review.
Please Note:
The SMRC does not make or review decisions about individual Repatriation pensions. If you have any queries regarding claims for pension you should contact the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs or by phone to: 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
Those considering making an application or a submission to the SMRC are advised to contact the office to discuss the processes.
