This bill became law on Nov 30th, 2022.
Budget, tax & economy
From 1 January 2023, the fortnightly pension for totally and permanently incapacitated veterans rises to $1,595.66.
A Senate committeeThe Senate committee whose inquiry recommended that the government consider a modest increase to the TPI payment, without setting a specific amount. inquiry recommended that the government consider a modest increase to the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated payment, without setting a specific amount. This bill raises that pension to $1,595.66 a fortnight from 1 January 2023 and lifts the linked Temporary Special RateA linked veterans payment that rises when the TPI rate rises, because it is worked out by reference to that rate. and Special Rate Disability PensionA separate payment under military rehabilitation law that is also tied to the TPI rate and increases with it. as well.
Australia already paid a special-rate pension to totally and permanently incapacitated veterans, with linked payments under other veterans’ compensation laws tied to that rate, and in 2022 Labor committed to a modest increase after longstanding calls to lift support for severely disabled ex-service personnel. The bill turned that commitment into law, ParliamentThe federal parliament that passed the bill and made the payment increase law. passed it in November 2022, and from 1 January 2023 the TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. pension rose to $1,595.66 a fortnight, with the higher rate flowing through to the linked Temporary Special RateA linked veterans payment that rises when the TPI rate rises, because it is worked out by reference to that rate. and Special Rate Disability PensionA separate payment under military rehabilitation law that is also tied to the TPI rate and increases with it..
The main criticism was that the pension rise was too small to materially change veterans' living standards, especially with inflation and broader cost-of-living pressures still biting. That concern was raised most strongly by the Greens and echoed in milder form by Coalition and Nationals speakers, but no party represented in the debate opposed the bill.
Hon Matt Keogh MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 30 Nov 2022
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
Members called out ‘aye’ or ‘no’ — no individual votes were recorded.
Passage speed
35 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
From 1 January 2023, the fortnightly pension for totally and permanently incapacitated veterans rises to $1,595.66.
The higher totally and permanently incapacitated veterans payment also lifts the linked Temporary Special RateA linked veterans payment that rises when the TPI rate rises, because it is worked out by reference to that rate. payment and the Special Rate Disability PensionA separate payment under military rehabilitation law that is also tied to the TPI rate and increases with it. under military rehabilitation law.
The new rate applies when working out this pension and any Commonwealth payment tied to it for days on or after 1 January 2023.
Omit “$919.40”, substitute “$1,595.66”.Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) Act 2022 final Act text
The Bill will amend the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) to increase to the amount of the Disability Compensation Payment at the Special Rate payable under the Act. Due to the payments being legislatively linked, the amendments to the VEA provision will also increase the Temporary Special Rate payment under the VEA and the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) payable under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) explanatory memorandum
The amendment made by this Schedule applies in relation to working out, in respect of days occurring on or after 1 January 2023:Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) Act 2022 final Act text
Context
Australia already paid a special-rate pension to totally and permanently incapacitated veterans, with linked payments under other veterans’ compensation laws tied to that rate, and in 2022 Labor committed to a modest increase after longstanding calls to lift support for severely disabled ex-service personnel. The bill turned that commitment into law, ParliamentThe federal parliament that passed the bill and made the payment increase law. passed it in November 2022, and from 1 January 2023 the TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. pension rose to $1,595.66 a fortnight, with the higher rate flowing through to the linked Temporary Special RateA linked veterans payment that rises when the TPI rate rises, because it is worked out by reference to that rate. and Special Rate Disability PensionA separate payment under military rehabilitation law that is also tied to the TPI rate and increases with it..
Labor commits to a modest TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. pension increase
Speakers in ParliamentThe federal parliament that passed the bill and made the payment increase law. described the bill as delivering a 2022 election commitment to raise support for totally and permanently incapacitated veterans by about $1,000 a year.
Hansard ↗Government introduces the bill to lift the TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. pension
The government presented the bill to begin legislating the increase and framed it as part of its obligation to look after veterans and their families.
Parliamentary timeline ↗HouseThe lower house that agreed to the bill before it went to the Senate. passes the bill
The HouseThe lower house that agreed to the bill before it went to the Senate. agreed to the bill at second and third reading, sending the pension increase package to the Senate.
Parliamentary timeline ↗ParliamentThe federal parliament that passed the bill and made the payment increase law. passes the bill
The Senate passed the bill and completed parliamentary approval for the higher TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. rate and linked payment increases.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that turned the bill into an Act and allowed the new payment rate to start. makes the pension increase law
Royal AssentThe final step that turned the bill into an Act and allowed the new payment rate to start. turned the bill into an Act so the new payment rates could commence at the start of 2023.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Higher TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. pension begins at $1,595.66 a fortnight
From this date the increased special-rate pension applied, and the higher figure also flowed through to the Temporary Special RateA linked veterans payment that rises when the TPI rate rises, because it is worked out by reference to that rate. and Special Rate Disability PensionA separate payment under military rehabilitation law that is also tied to the TPI rate and increases with it..
Australian Parliament House ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turned the bill into an Act and allowed the new payment rate to start., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the pension rise was too small to materially change veterans' living standards, especially with inflation and broader cost-of-living pressures still biting. That concern was raised most strongly by the Greens and echoed in milder form by Coalition and Nationals speakers, but no party represented in the debate opposed the bill.
Criticism focused on adequacy, not on the bill's basic purpose or legality.
Increase seen as too small
Several speakers argued the extra payment was only a modest step and would still leave many totally and permanently incapacitated veterans struggling financially, with some saying the increase fell far short of what veterans deserved.
Inflation could quickly erode the benefit
Some supporters warned that in a period of high inflation and rising living costs, the one-off increase might soon be swallowed up, meaning parliamentThe federal parliament that passed the bill and made the payment increase law. would need to keep reviewing whether veterans' support remained adequate.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage.
HouseThe lower house that agreed to the bill before it went to the Senate. agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Keogh supports the bill and says it delivers Labor’s commitment to increase the TPI paymentThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. by $1,000 a year so severely injured veterans and their families are better supported and kept up with cost-of-living pressures.
Read in Hansard ↗McCormack says the coalition supports the bill because it delivers a warranted one-off increase to the TPI paymentThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. for veterans.
Read in Hansard ↗Shayne Neumann supports the bill, saying it delivers on Labor's promise to increase the TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. pension and give practical cost-of-living help to severely disabled veterans.
Read in Hansard ↗Rob Mitchell supports the bill and says it is overdue action to improve veterans' payments, claims processing and department staffing after years of neglect.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
6 speakers · 7 contributions · 6 support
“This bill before the House delivers on that commitment. It is now a budget measure. It will provide a boost of $38.46 per fortnight. This will provide additional financial support to around 27,000 TPI pensioners, at a cost of $97.9 million over four years, to ensure our most disabled and vulnerable veterans are not left behind.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It's why we should be supporting this bill. We've begun the work, beginning with the hiring process to help get claims through. Let's get this legislated so we can get this job done, because the wait and lack of action have been disappointing for those sitting in parliament—on both sides, as I've said.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This amendment seeks to provide a modest recognition of those that wear the scars of their service. It's honouring an election commitment made by Labor to permanently increase the totally and permanently incapacitated payment for eligible disabled veterans.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is Labor's response to that inquiry and the specific recommendation about increasing the rate of TPI. It implements the Albanese government's 2022 pre-election commitment to provide a $1,000 per annum increase to the TPI from 1 January 2023. This bill shows that the government is listening to the needs of veterans and their families. Specifically, this measure will (1) provide the increase of $1,000 to the annual rate of TPI under the Veterans' Entitlements Act, (2) increase the temporary special rate payment under the VEA and the special rate disability pension under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act and (3) ensure that TPI veterans and their families are provided greater financial support, recognising the impact of their ADF service.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Matt Keogh on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Minister's second reading speech
Keogh supports the bill and says it delivers Labor’s commitment to increase the TPI paymentThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. by $1,000 a year so severely injured veterans and their families are better supported and kept up with cost-of-living pressures.
“This bill today implements that commitment by Labor by increasing the special rate of disability compensation payment for veterans.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Keogh says Labor supports the bill and is using it to deliver a $1,000 a year increase to the TPIThe special veterans payment that this bill increases for people whose service-related injury or illness leaves them unable to work normally. pension for veterans. He argues it is practical cost-of-living relief that should pass this year so the higher payments can start on 1 January 2023.
“We are committed to implementing this and other practical support measures to better support our defence serving personnel, veterans and families. Of course, it is crucial that this bill pass the House this year to ensure these increases and payments can flow from 1 January 2023. I look forward to the opposition's and other members' support in the Senate to ensure that that can occur. We on this side are committed to delivering a better future for defence personnel, veterans and families. This bill is part of how we are delivering on that in government. I commend the bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This bill today implements Labor's commitment by increasing the special rate of disability compensation payments for veterans. We're very glad that today we are receiving the support of senators to ensure that the TPI veterans are better off.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
5 speakers · 5 support
“The coalition support the bill. We said at the outset when we returned to opposition that we would support good legislation and that we would support reasonable policy. And, whilst good legislation and policy often comes at a bottom-line expense, this expense is very much warranted, given the fact we are talking about our veterans, and given the fact we are supporting veterans who have supported us. I know how important this is.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We in the coalition, of course, support this bill, which increases the payments to those in total permanent incapacitation who are veterans and who have served our nation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As I said, this bill will deliver an annual $1,000 extra to our TPI recipients, but that is only a tiny gesture in recognition of the value of those veterans. It is a small step in showing that they are valued and that they will not be forgotten. The opposition supported this bill through the House of Representatives and we support it in this chamber. I thank the government for ensuring this bill will be passed in time to start these payments from January 2023 to give our TPI veterans recognition and some financial security and certainty moving forward.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We need to look after these people who have finished their career, have bad health and, honestly, have no future career prospects. They have sacrificed so much and are left with very little. We need to give them hope, if nothing else. This $2.75, or $1,000, is something. I thank the government. We will be supporting this going forward.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We need to get this thing through basically before the end of the year for it to start at the start of next year. Its cost for the remainder of the financial year is about $14 million, and it's just shy of $100 million over the forward estimates. It's a small payment to those who have served our nation. I'll have more to say later on in the week as we head to Armistice Day on the 11th day of the 11th month. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 2 support
“This bill is not going to fix that choice. I know that veterans wanted us to move amendments to double it, and we were close to moving amendments to double it. But we were advised by the government that if we did that it would basically kill the bill, and veterans would have got nothing. Veterans should get at least double, but the reason we're going to support this bill is so that they end this year knowing they're going to get a tiny, modest increase starting on 1 January.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill provides that modest additional financial support in TPI for veterans and their families who already receive this payment and for other eligible veterans of the future. The increase to this payment means it will be comparable with the national minimum wage and more than the after-tax national minimum wage a wage-earner would receive. Do the Greens support this? Yes, we do. Do the Greens think it's enough? No, we don't. I'd like to see the representatives in this place who have no military experience live off a modest pension such as this and make some of those choices that our veterans are making today.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turned the bill into an Act and allowed the new payment rate to start., turning the bill into an Act.
