Matt Keogh
Burt · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“I thank the member for the question. Clearly, as we've articulated, the purpose of the cap is to replace the current treatment cycle system where veterans are going back time and time again to a GP after every 12 referrals in order to access allied health services.”
“The proposal you're making would make the entire system a nullity, which is not what we want to do. We're actually trying to provide better outcomes for our veterans in overall wellbeing.”
“We're working to make sure defence and DVA systems are contemporary and fit for purpose and that those systems have the wellbeing of our people at the forefront.”
“We can better support them through the reforms in this bill—through improved information sharing and better integration across defence, DVA and other portfolio agencies, including the newly established, from today, Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency; through establishing more robust frameworks for defence health services by enhancing fam…”
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the debate on the Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026. This bill reflects the Albanese government's ongoing commitment to responding to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.”
“This bill directly implements 15 recommendations of the royal commission and supports the implementation of a further 20 recommendations focused on improving health and wellbeing outcomes, improving suicide prevention and information sharing, supporting defence families, enhancing transition, continuity of care and modernising governance…”
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“It means making sure teachers can focus on what they do best: teaching and inspiring our young people. Schools are right at the heart of our community. They're where friendships are formed and talents are discovered. Over the almost 10 years that I've been proud to represent the community of Burt in our nation's parliament, I've visited schools across our community. I've visited classrooms all across Perth's south-east and met with teachers, principals, parents and of course students.”
“And it means families have been worrying about whether their kids are getting the support they deserve. And that's not just support in the classroom. Many of the schools in my communities also offer and run breakfast clubs to make sure kids can rely on a good meal every morning. Fully funding public schools is about changing that. It means making sure every school has the resources it needs to support our students to thrive. It means smaller classes, more support staff and the programs that help children who might otherwise fall behind. In communities like Burt, where our community is incredibly diverse and where many families rely on a strong public education system, this investment is making a real difference. It means extra support for students who are learning English. It means help for kids who have additional learning needs.”
“Education is one of the most powerful investments a country can make in its future. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, no matter where they live, what their background is or what school they go to. That's why fully funding our public schools matters so much, especially in communities in Perth's south-eastern suburbs. Across our electorate, thousands of students attend local public schools. They're learning. They're growing and building the skills that will shape the future of our community. But, for too long, public schools across Australia have not been funded to the level that they should have been. That means teachers have been working harder with fewer resources. It means schools have been trying to stretch budgets to support students who might need some extra help.”
“They help our children to learn, to build confidence, to develop the skills they need before they even step into primary school. But, for too long, these educators have been underpaid for the critical work they do. I'm proud to be part of a government that has turned that around. We're recognising the value of early childhood educators, helping keep them in the workforce for longer and attracting new workers into this vital profession. Early childhood education isn't just child care; it is nation building. It supports parents who want to work, it strengthens our local economy and, most importantly, it gives every child the best possible start in life. That's exactly what families in Burt deserve, because when we invest in our children we invest in the future of our community.”
“Our increases in the childcare subsidy, pay improvements for childcare workers and three-day guarantee are all about making, accessing and affording child care easier for families. This means more children being able to access early learning, for all the educational and social outcomes that brings. And I want to see parents getting back into the workforce, because it's good for our local economy, too. It's great for career progression and for their family incomes as well. This guarantee means more certainty for families and a better start for children across our community. We're enabling that with long-overdue pay rises for early childhood educators. Anyone who has spent time in a childcare centre knows how dedicated these workers are.”
“But child care needs to be affordable, accessible and available close to home. That's why the Australian Labor Party is delivering real reforms to strengthen early childhood education and care. First, we've introduced the three-day guarantee, ensuring that every child can access funding for at least three days of subsidised early childhood education and care each week. In growing communities like Byford, across the city of Armadale and the city of Gosnells, where so many young families are moving in, this is making a massive difference. I don't want to see any more parents needing to contend with mountains of paperwork or being in the situation where they're weighing up whether they can afford to go back to work or study after having kids.”
“In communities right across Perth's south-eastern suburbs, families are working hard every day to give their kids the best possible start in life. The Albanese government's No. 1 priority is delivering cost-of-living relief to communities like ours. We're working to set Australia up for the long-term. We're strengthening Medicare, investing in education and helping people get into their own homes. Our government is focused on the here and now for every Australian while setting us up for a better future. We are focused on what's good for the wellbeing of families, our local economy and our nation. We're building a better Burt, changing the story of our community for the better. And that starts at the beginning. Many parents tell me the same thing. They want to work. They want their kids to benefit from early learning.”
“But I do want to give credit to my immediate predecessor, because the member for Calare, who now sits on the crossbench, did try to turn it around. He called it out, even when he was a member of the coalition government. He said it was a dire situation. He even threatened to resign. He threatened to resign from the same ministry that featured the now leader of the opposition. He pointed out that the former government was only prioritising funding that had a political advantage, and that 'they didn't feel there was a political advantage in funding veterans issues'. While some things change, some things stay the same. The Liberals may change their leader, but they won't change the way that they are. The Albanese government is focused on delivering for our veterans; they are the same old Liberals. They have learned nothing.”
“Now, Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs are working more closely together to mitigate and ideally prevent illness and injury of all kinds. We want to see that our veteran community is well for longer. When we came into government, though, in 2022, DVA was chronically underfunded and underresourced. This had serious negative real-world consequences for veterans and their families. It meant that, for too long, veterans were not able to access the supports that they needed due to a lack of staffing and a lack of investment into DVA. There had been a revolving door of ministers—six in nine years. This meant that veterans were not getting a fair go from the previous government. They didn't have a true champion in the coalition government.”
“I thank the member for Richmond for her important question. The Albanese government is focused on delivering for Australia's defence forces, those who are serving and those who have served, and that's including by delivering a veterans and families hub in the Tweed. We've transformed how veterans can access a wide range of support not only to speed up claims processing so they can get that assistance that they need sooner but also to make sure that that assistance is best practice—be it cutting-edge medical treatment, psychosocial supports or community connection. I'm proud that we've been working to better support our Defence people from the day they sign up and throughout their career by making sure that they can better access health care, education and services to set them up for success.”
“So, if you're at uni or you're just thinking about it, you can find out more about the Armadale University Study Hub at the City of Armadale website. Our Veteran's Haven in Forrestdale is now officially open. It's a beautiful space for our veteran community. They support the mental health and overall wellbeing of veterans in our south-eastern suburbs. They look at a veteran as a whole person, not just through the lens of their service. The haven offers connection, a social network. It offers hobbies and an opportunity to share a laugh. I really want to congratulate Cath, Iain and their amazing team, who came together to build this unique facility. I'm proud to have officially opened the haven, not just as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs but as their local federal member for Burt.”
“Last week, I had the pleasure of opening the Albanese government funded Armadale University Study Hub. For students in my community, getting to university can often be an hour or more on public transport each way. With the new study hub, you can access support, internet, study areas and meeting rooms all close to home. This is so important because across Australia nearly half of young people have a degree, but not in Armadale. Hubs like this make education more accessible so that you can reach your academic goals without having to leave your community. Located on Jull Street, the hub is close to the train and bus stations and the shopping centre. University has never been more accessible in our south-eastern suburbs than now. The Armadale hub is also unique in offering a soon-to-open creche, perfect for those parents that are studying.”
“There is great news in the electorate of Burt in Perth's south-eastern suburbs, where now over 40 per cent of GP clinics have moved to be fully bulk-billing for all patients. Since our bulk-billing incentive payment came into effect in November, we've seen bulk-billing rates on the rise, with the largest quarterly increase of bulk billing in more than 20 years, outside of the COVID pandemic. Our record $8.5 billion boost to Medicare is working, making it easier for you to find a bulk-billing doctor close to home. We're also seeing the benefits of the Albanese Labor government's Medicare urgent care clinics. They're open seven days a week for extended hours. They're fully bulk-billed. I even used the Medicare urgent care clinic in Gosnells when I dislocated my toe last year. I was campaigning too hard!”
“We have the Nulka, which imitates warships to decoy missiles. He imitated Facebook followers. We're forging ammunition and shells. He used documents that—let's say—weren't real.”
“He certainly hasn't been asking many questions in parliament—three Defence questions in 285 days. To be fair, I think he's actually learned from his disastrous time as the shadow Treasurer. Some would reflect and try and improve their performance but not the member for Hume. He's decided the simplest solution is to just disappear. You can't fail if no-one knows you're the shadow defence minister. Three defence questions in 285 days—clearly his focus has been elsewhere. One thing is crystal clear: his focus is self-interest, not the national interest. Let's summarise our approach to Defence compared to the member for Hume's record. We're acquiring stealth fighters. He was a stealth shadow minister. We're investing record amounts in our submarines as part of the silent service. He was the silent Defence spokesperson.”
“I thank the member for their question. The highest duty of any government is to defend the Australian people and safeguard our national interest. The Albanese Labor government is laser focused on delivering this through record Defence investments, our reform agenda and getting the equipment our ADF needs into their hands sooner. We're delivering warships way ahead of schedule. We're producing autonomous Ghost Shark submarines right now to safeguard our maritime approaches. We're rolling missiles out of an Aussie factory and building a second one right now, and we're acquiring counterdrone capabilities in record time. Now, I'm asked about alternative approaches. While we've been busy delivering, what's the former shadow defence minister been up to?”
“In addition, the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission has already started its first inquiry looking into the implementation of recommendations 9 to 13 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide's interim report, which was about providing better information access not only for veterans but also, in particular, for the families of those veterans who have taken their own lives. I think that the opposition's amendment is best considered, however, by the inquiry that has already been established in the Senate to look into this legislation. We will be able to best consider the proposal that has been put forward by the opposition in the context of that inquiry. For that reason, at this time the government will oppose the opposition's amendment as moved in the House.”
“I thank the member for Herbert for his remarks in relation to the amendment that he has moved. I understand the opposition's and the member's desire to move the date of the first report of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission to an earlier time. In that regard I note that 32 recommendations have already been implemented and two-thirds will be implemented by the end of 2026, and of course work is ongoing in relation to the remainder of the royal commission's recommendations. The opposition's amendment, though, would see the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission reporting in the middle of all of this work.”
“That is what this government delivered. As I said last year in parliament and at the National Press Club, it is our nation's duty to empower and support the mental health and wellbeing of our defence and veteran community to reduce the rates of suicide and suicidality as much as possible. The commission is an integral part of this work and will ensure ongoing scrutiny of our efforts to achieve this aim, and I commend the bill to the House. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time. Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.”
“This is not some reheating of the previous government's proposal for a commission in an attempt to avoid holding the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in the first place. This is quite different. I think it is also important to remind members of the House that the genesis of the legislation that established the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission, via the vets act amendment in schedule 9, was based on very extensive consultation, despite what those opposite have said. There was a royal commission for three years that produced a detailed set of recommendations for the establishment of this commission. That is what was reflected in that legislation, which we ensured was passed by this parliament in early 2025 to make sure that the commission could be up and running by September, as the royal commission itself asked for.”
“I want to thank all those that have contributed to this debate and for your unwavering support of our veteran community. I note that across the chamber there's been bipartisan support for our veterans, as we would expect, with references to local bases in people's communities and their family connections to the defence and veteran community. And I'd like to particularly acknowledge the member for Gorton, who referred to her relative Hugo Throssell VC after whom there is a bridge named in my electorate. It's important to note that contrary to some of the assertions of the opposition during this debate, though this bill may be about a commissioner, to be clear, it is about a commissioner and a commission that was envisaged by the royal commission.”
“This is in addition to other inquiries that may be undertaken by the commission, including a recently announced inquiry into the implementation of the government's response to recommendations 9 to 13 of the royal commission's interim report. The time line for the first legislated inquiry will enable a proper consideration of our work and an opportunity to genuinely evaluate if the recommendations have been implemented appropriately and are making a difference for the defence and veteran community. I note that an amendment has been foreshadowed to bring forward the date of this first legislated inquiry. I note that these bills have been referred also to another Senate inquiry, which is the appropriate place to consider the first reporting date.”
“These bills before us today are a direct result of that engagement and demonstrate our commitment to working with the defence and veteran community, because we want to get this right. The bills address the first recommendation of the Senate inquiry, by establishing standalone legislation for the commission. The bills also add a specific reference to families as part of the commission's function, strengthen the commissioner's independence and powers, improve witness protections and increase transparency. The bill requires the commission to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the measures and actions taken to implement the government response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, first reporting on 2 December 2027.”
“In acknowledgement of the significance and urgency of this recommendation, in February 2025 the Albanese Labor government legislated the creation of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission. It has been up and running since the end of September 2025. The current enactment within part VIIIE of the Defence Act 1903, by way of schedule 9 of the Veterans' Entitlement, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025, passed the parliament in February 2025 ensuring that the commission would be up and running by September and not be subject to the vagaries of the intervening federal election. Noting the swift passage of this legislation, government supported a Senate inquiry into this, enabling the defence and veteran community to provide feedback on schedule 9—the establishment of this oversight body.”
“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide highlighted the devastating scale and impact of veteran suicide and made clear that this is a national tragedy that desperately needed to be addressed. That is why we've worked to implement the agreed recommendations of the royal commission as quickly as possible. In my address to the National Press Club on the one year anniversary of the government's response to the final report of the royal commission, I provided an update that 32 recommendations from the royal commission would be implemented by the end of 2025 and that we expected two-thirds of the agreed recommendations to be completed by the end of this year. The royal commission described recommendation 122, the establishment of an independent oversight body, as its most important recommendation.”
“This is an incredibly important thing as we seek to grow our Defence Force more broadly, because when we came into government the Defence Force was not growing. It was shrinking. We have gone around delivering by increasing our recruitment to the Defence Force, and last financial year we saw the largest recruitment number in 15 years. Importantly, now, we also see that our separation rate is at historic lows. That means, unlike when those opposite were in government, under the Albanese government, we are growing our Defence Force. We're improving our capability across land, sea, air and, importantly, space and cyber as well. We are concentrating on delivery for our national security in government while those opposite are only focused on division and themselves.”
“This means we will be having people join our Defence Force being able to perform vitally important roles across satellite communication, missile detection, intelligence, reconnaissance, weather and environmental observation, and being able to be aware of and observe what's going on in the important domain of space. We always talk about being aware of those other domains and what may be confronting our country during these most difficult of geostrategic circumstances, and it's important that we are able to do that in the space domain as well. And we are doing this in a context where we are growing our Defence Force, with more than 300 different roles available for direct recruitment into our Defence Force now.”
“I thank the member for Bean for his important question. Many think about the ADF in terms of land, air and sea, but our capabilities across space and cyber are becoming increasingly important. I was proud today to launch two new direct recruitment roles into the Australian Defence Force—our space operator officer and our space operator specialist roles. These are new direct recruitment roles into our Defence Force, and it means those that are gravitating towards a career in Defence will now be able to consider a career in space. A job that would have been out of this world for us when we were in school now becomes something that is attainable to them.”
“I thank the interim shadow minister for his support for a minor government amendment to this bill, to follow. The VETS act is the most significant reform to how we support veterans in a century, making it easier for veterans, and families of veterans, to know what they are entitled to, and making it faster for DVA to process their claims. This bill supports the implementation of the VETS act. Whilst the amendments contained in the bill are minor, they are critical to ensuring the intent of the VETS act, and the smooth delivery of services, continues and is ready for 1 July 2026. These amendments are evidence we want to get this right, and we're keen to continue to work across the parliament to ensure the best outcomes for veterans and families of veterans. I commend the bill to the House.”
“This bill deals with the following matters: the review pathway; compensation for dependants and deceased veterans; funeral compensation; access to MRCA education scheme; additional disablement amount; Victoria Cross allowance and decoration allowance; service injuries, diseases and deaths arising from treatment; treatment of serving members; direct deductions; and application and transitional provisions. These technical amendments will make sure there are no interruptions to providing critical benefits or payments to veterans and their families. I would like to thank the interim shadow minister for his contribution to the debate, and I want to emphasise the continued need to work across the parliament to make sure we're achieving the best outcomes for veterans and families of veterans.”
“These amendments will help to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms and the transition from the complicated tri-act arrangements to the single ongoing act. As with any new act, there are some amendments required, aimed at correcting minor administrative issues and removing ambiguity in line with the policy intention of the VETS act. The Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025 has 16 technical amendments that will ensure a smooth transition from 1 July 2026.”
“The VETS act will simplify veterans legislation from 1 July this year and do away with the current tri-act system to make it easier for veterans and families of veterans to know what they are entitled to and make it faster for the Department of Veterans' Affairs to process their claims. From 1 July, all veterans' rehabilitation and compensation claims will be dealt with under a single piece of legislation, the new and improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, also known as the MRCA. This includes a commitment that no veteran or family member will experience a reduction in the payments that they're already receiving. To be ready for this date, there are some technical amendments that are required. This bill proposes a number of minor technical amendments to veterans legislation.”
“The rate of veteran suicide is a national tragedy, and that is why the Albanese government has been working at pace to implement our response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. I thank members across the House for their contributions and for their support of the government's work so far to improve the lives of current and former serving veterans. The passage of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025—the VETS act—early last year was in response to the royal commission's interim report. The bill before us, the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025, furthers the implementation of this simpler veterans entitlement system.”
“These notifications already occur along with notifications of other types of determinations, but non-liability health care provides fully funded treatment for cancer, mental health conditions and pulmonary tuberculosis without the need to establish that these conditions were caused by service. We have determined that it's appropriate at this time to remove this item, and we will consider the best approach for any notifications in relation to non-liability health care between the Repatriation Commission and the Chief of the Defence Force in the future. I thank the interim shadow veterans' affairs minister for his engagement on this matter. Question agreed to. Bill, as amended, agreed to.”
“I present a supplementary explanation to the bill. I move the government amendment as circulated: (1) Schedule 1, item 44, page 18 (lines 10 to 20), omit the item. The amendment circulated is to remove item 44 of schedule 1, which is part 8 of the schedule from the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025. This item would provide a specific power for the Repatriation Commission to give notice to the Chief of the Defence Force of claims, decisions and treatment as part of non-liability health care for serving members under section 284A of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.”
“In this place, our greatest priority is to protect the Australian people from harm, and we are taking action. I want to acknowledge, as well, the Prime Minister's decision to stand up a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. Learning from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide—which was a gruelling process that reopened old wounds, and many tears were shed—this royal commission will ensure that we provide a safe and secure future for Australians of all walks of life. It is therefore with profound heaviness of heart that I commend this condolence motion to the House. As the Prime Minister has said, light will prevail over darkness.”
“I want to thank him for providing a calm, understanding ear and emotional and spiritual support for people dealing with the most horrific day of their lives. This is yet another example of Australian values and mateship shining through, on a day of unspeakable horror. I want to take this opportunity to also acknowledge the great contribution of our Australian Jewish community. They've played an important role in shaping the wonderful multicultural nation we live in today. Australia's Jewish community has enriched our nation for generations, through family and faith, enterprise and culture, civic leadership and public service, but not just that. They have also defended us, with many Jewish Australians putting their lives on the line to fight for our way of life, serving in our Australian Defence Force for more than a century.”
“Inside the RSL, veterans with combat experience provided first aid, treated gunshot victims and supported traumatised families before emergency services could reach the scene. In the days following, the North Bondi RSL again opened its doors, this time as a dedicated community support hub, to provide recovery services and health and mental health support. To echo the words of North Bondi RSL chair Josh Farquhar, they haven't divided us; they've brought our community closer together. Thank you all for your continued service to our nation. Reverend Andrew Nixon, the Department of Veterans' Affairs lead chaplain, was also on the ground and volunteered his time to support victims and first responders to deal with the tragedy as it unfolded and in the days that followed.”
“In the salient words of Pastor Martin Neimoller: First they came for … And I did not speak out … … … Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on Australians enjoying an Australian beach and celebrating their traditions, and, as such, is an attack on all Australians. It is therefore up to all of us to unite. In order to heal, we must stand together. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. I want to acknowledge the bravery of bystanders and first responders who ran towards danger, on that terrible day, to save lives, demonstrating the very best of the Australian character—not least of which was the North Bondi RSL, which became an immediate refuge for hundreds, including injured survivors and children.”
“I rise to share my profound sorrow at the tragic loss of life and injury that occurred at Bondi on 14 December 2025. No words can express the helplessness and loss that so many Australians feel at this senseless act of evil. On behalf of the community of Burt, I extend my heartfelt condolences to every family who has lost loved ones and to every survivor now facing the long path to recovery. We stand with you. Our community of Burt is one of the most diverse in Western Australia, and we are strong and vibrant because we are diverse. I don't want to see anything putting that at risk. We must remain ever vigilant.”
“Conclusion The VETS Act is the most significant reform of how we support veterans in a century. These amendments are evidence that we want to get this right. This bill will continue to make it easier for veterans and families to know what they are entitled to and faster for the Department of Veterans' Affairs to process their claims. Whilst the amendments contained in this bill are minor, they are critical to ensuring the intent of the VETS Act and the smooth delivery of services continues and is ready for 1 July 2026. We are committed to getting this right for veterans and veteran families. Further details are included in the explanatory memorandum. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned.”
“Lastly, the bill makes amendments to ensure existing access to non-liability health care (NLHC) arrangements for serving members are maintained when transferred from Veterans Entitlements Act to the MRCA, and maintain the current ability to notify the CDF when a serving member claims for or is accessing non-liability health care. I want to reiterate my and the Department of Veterans' Affairs commitment that no veteran or veteran family member will experience a reduction in the payments they are already receiving. These technical amendments ensure that all of the legislative requirements are in place so that the shift to the improved MRCA is seamless for veterans and their families receiving services and support. The exceptional treatment, payments and benefits they receive will continue, uninterrupted, from 1 July 2026 onwards.”
“Likewise, the bill clarifies that gold cards are provided to ADA-eligible veterans without requiring them to meet additional criteria and amends the service pension criteria so that the partners of ADA-eligible veterans (after 1 July 2026) are eligible for partner service pension from age 50, to harmonise with the current eligibility/age requirements available to partners of extreme disablement amount (EDA) veterans under the current Veterans Entitlement Act framework. The bill will make amendments to continue to exclude the Victoria Cross allowance and decoration allowance from income test arrangements. The bill makes clear the coverage for conditions resulting from unintended consequences of treatment provided or paid for by Defence during service, or later by DVA.”
“The bill will clarify that the higher rate (maximum currently of $14,990) of funeral compensation payable under MRCA is available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, even if they also met the criteria for the lower $3,000 rate, and that combined total compensation cannot exceed the maximum payable. The bill will ensure that veterans who meet the criteria for additional disablement amount (ADA) or special rate disability pension (SRDP) do not need to meet additional criteria to enable their eligible children to access education assistance through the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS).”
“It will also make amendments to remove any requirement that applications for VRB related travel expenses to be communicated to the VRB. The bill will amend recovery provisions to provide legal authority to subtract any amount already paid under the Veterans' Entitlements Act from any Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act arrears payable to a dependant for the equivalent benefits for the same period. The bill clarifies the circumstances under which a partner may receive additional lump sum compensation for service related death claimed on or after 1 July 2026, and ensures that this amount is available in respect of all service related deaths on or after this date.”
“The bill proposes a number of minor technical amendments to that legislation. They will help to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms and the transition from the complicated tri-act arrangement to the single ongoing act. These changes do not change the key settings agreed to with the passage of the VETS Act. This bill is about good governance and effective implementation. Overview of the bill Each amendment has been carefully considered to ensure the original policy intent from the VETS Act is enacted. There are no surprises in this bill. The bill makes amendments to require the Veterans' Review Board (VRB) to notify the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) when a serving member makes an application for a review and the outcome of a review.”
“The passage of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (the VETS Act) earlier this year, is one part of the Albanese government's response to the recommendations in the royal commission's interim report. The VETS Act will simplify veterans legislation from 1 July 2026 and do away with the current tri-act system. From 1 July 2026 all veterans rehabilitation and compensation claims will be dealt with under a single piece of legislation, the new and improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, also known as the MRCA . To be ready for 1 July 2026 and to ensure all the great work that is coming out of the VETS Act is in place in time, there are some minor technical amendments that are required. What is it?”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I am pleased to introduce the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill. This bill continues our government's response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and furthers the implementation of a simpler veterans entitlement system. The bill before us today complements the amendments made in the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill that was introduced into the parliament at the end of October. Positioning In September, I came to the House to give an update on the important work underway to enact the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.”
“In particular, the bill makes minor consequential amendments to the Archives Act 1983 and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986, arising from the movement of the provision establishing the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner from the Defence Act 1903 into its own standalone legislation. The details of the measures in this bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum for the primary bill. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 is part of a package of two bills which together will enshrine the legislative establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner and commission in their own standalone legislation as was always intended. This bill makes consequential amendments necessary to implement the measures in the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, which I have just introduced.”