The Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) function is to determine Statements of Principles (SOPs)for any disease, injury or death that could be related to military service, based on relevant sound medical-scientific evidence. The RMA plays no role in determining or considering individual claims. The RMA comprises a Chairperson and four other members who are eminent medical or scientific experts, with at least 10 years' experience. One of the members of the RMA must be a person having at least 5 years' experience in the field of epidemiology. RMA members work on a part-time basis and are appointed by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs for periods up to five years. The RMA is supported by a Brisbane-based Secretariat consisting of legal, administrative and research staff. The key duties of the position include Member Appointment Applications (Re-Advertised) The RMA seeks to fill two roles that are available: Member role specialising in epidemiology (opportunity available now) Member role specialising in musculoskeletal medicine/rheumatology/orthopaedics (opportunity available from 1 July 2026) The appointees together with other members of the RMA, assists the Chairperson in ensuring the efficient operation and medical-scientific reputation of the RMA. Members are part-time statutory appointments made by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. To be a strong contender for this appointment, you will need to be a registered medical practitioner or medical scientist (with at least 10 years' experience), with an outstanding academic record and extensive clinical or public health experience. If you are applying for the epidemiology role you must have at least 5 years' experience in the field of epidemiology. You will be acknowledged for your comprehensive understanding of epidemiology and/or your medical field, and for your medical-scientific leadership. You will also have excellent representational and stakeholder management capabilities and be known for your intellectual rigour and high ethical standards. An understanding of the Australian Repatriation system and experience dealing with executive government and institutions will be well regarded. Chairperson Appointment Applications (Re-Advertised) The Chairperson's position (opportunity available from 1 July 2026) is a part-time statutory appointment made by the Minister for Veterans 'Affairs. The Chairperson is responsible for the efficient operation and medical-scientific reputation of the Repatriation Medical Authority (the RMA). The Chairperson reports to Parliament on behalf of the Authority and works closely with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Repatriation Commission, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) and the wider service community and undertakes the significant representational and liaison responsibilities of the RMA. If applying for the Chairperson appointment you should pitch your application and responses to address governance, leadership and medical-scientific reputation of the RMA. The Chairperson must have: Qualifications as a registered medical practitioner or medical scientist with at least ten years' experience; an outstanding academic record and extensive clinical or public health background; recognition at senior levels of academia within Australia and internationally; an extensive record of scientific publications; demonstrated medical-scientific leadership; a sound understanding of disease causation, and particularly epidemiology; an understanding of the Parliamentary and legal systems; extensive experience in dealing with executive government and institutions; excellent representational and stakeholder management capabilities; and experience at a senior level of administration. The Chairperson requires an appreciation of the Australian Repatriation system, its basis and role, as well as the special place that veterans and serving members hold within Australian society. The position of Chairperson requires a person whose medical-scientific and intellectual capabilities are respected by the four other Members of the RMA, and who will engender trust and respect amongst the various stakeholders of the military compensation scheme.
