This bill became law on Feb 20th, 2025.
Defence & foreign affairs
From 1 July 2026, new veterans’ compensation and rehabilitation claims move into the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, so one law handles claims regardless of when or where a person served.
Veterans’ compensation claims were split across older laws, leaving different service types in different systems and forcing some veterans to navigate multiple claim and review rules. The bill moves new claims into one law, preserves older service coverage, stops accepted conditions being re-proved, and creates a single review pathway.
Australia’s veterans’ compensation system had been split across several laws for different kinds of service, and in August 2022 the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran SuicideThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system. said that complexity was harming some veterans’ mental health and could contribute to suicidality. The government responded with this bill in July 2024 to move new claims into the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, keep older service coverage and streamline appeals, and after Parliament passed it in February 2025 the new single-claim model was set to start on 1 July 2026.
The main criticism was that the bill still needed stronger safeguards, oversight and follow-up changes to ensure veterans and families were not worse off during the move to one compensation system. That concern appears to have been limited and mostly conditional, raised by the Greens, independents and some supportive coalition speakers rather than forming broad opposition to the bill.
Matt Keogh MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 20 Feb 2025
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
3 recorded amendment or procedural votes were found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.
Passage speed
232 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
From 1 July 2026, new veterans’ compensation and rehabilitation claims move into the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, so one law handles claims regardless of when or where a person served.
Veterans with injuries or illnesses already accepted under older laws will not have to prove those conditions again when claiming under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act.
The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act now keeps coverage for older service types, including peacekeeping, hazardous service and British nuclear test service, instead of leaving them only in older veterans’ laws.
The Act gives all veterans one review path for compensation decisions, with the Veterans’ Review Board first and the Administrative Appeals TribunalThe second review body a veteran can go to after the Veterans' Review Board. after that.
The Senate must review how these changes work after the new model starts, including whether veterans and families can access clearer benefits and whether more law changes are needed.
From the date of commencement, the benefits and assistance provided for by this Act cover all members and former members, regardless of when they rendered service or the nature of that service, and this is the only Act under which a claim for such benefits and assistance can be made.Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 final Act text
Note: This means that the person is not required to make a claim under section 319 for acceptance of liability for the injury or disease and the Commission is not required to reassess liability for the injury or disease.Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 final Act text
Coverage for all types and periods of service in the VEA, including warlike, non-warlike, peacekeeping, operational, hazardous, and British nuclear test defence will be continued in the MRCA. Defence service as defined in Part IV of the VEA (as distinct from peacetime service under the MRCA) is brought forward into the MRCA, together with the associated benefits.Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) explanatory memorandum
This Part sets out the amendments that will standardise the merits review pathway for veterans’ entitlements decisions by vesting the Veterans’ Review Board with jurisdiction to review DRCA determinations. The AAT will hear applications for review from the Board. The amendments in this part will commence before the broader changes in the Bill.Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) explanatory memorandum
(a) begin a review of the operation of the amendments made by this Act as soon as practicable after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day Schedule 1 to this Act commences; andVeterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 final Act text
Context
Australia’s veterans’ compensation system had been split across several laws for different kinds of service, and in August 2022 the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran SuicideThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system. said that complexity was harming some veterans’ mental health and could contribute to suicidality. The government responded with this bill in July 2024 to move new claims into the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, keep older service coverage and streamline appeals, and after Parliament passed it in February 2025 the new single-claim model was set to start on 1 July 2026.
Royal CommissionThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system. interim report says the claims system is harming veterans
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran SuicideThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system. said the veterans' entitlements system was so complicated that it adversely affected some veterans' mental health and could contribute to suicidality.
Hansard ↗Government introduces the bill to create one main claims system
The minister introduced the bill as the government's response to the royal commissionThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system.'s first recommendation to simplify veterans' compensation and rehabilitation arrangements.
Hansard ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses agreed on the final form of the bill, clearing the way for the new single-path claims and review model to become law.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal Assent turns the bill into an Act
Royal Assent enacted the changes that will shift new claims into the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act while preserving coverage for older service types.
Parliamentary timeline ↗New veterans' compensation claims move into the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act
From this date new compensation and rehabilitation claims move into one law, and veterans with already accepted conditions under older laws do not have to prove those conditions again when claiming under the newer scheme.
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
Referred to Committee (04/07/2024): Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee; Committee report (03/10/2024)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
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. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.
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 considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Committee of the Whole debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main accepted Senate changes reflected in the final bill were: The introduced and as-passed bill texts differ in 7 observed text blocks. Observed added text: "Schedule 9—Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission Part 1—Main amendments Defence Act 1903 1 After Part VIIID Insert:…".
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.
Third reading agreed to
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main amendments were: Observed text changed from "Schedule 1—Single ongoing Act main amendments 4 Part 1—Closing eligibility to DRCAAnother older veterans compensation law that will be closed to new claims under the new single-act model. and VEAOne of the older veterans laws that will stop taking new compensation claims, while some existing benefits stay in place. 4 Military Rehabilitation an…" to "4 Review of operation of amendments 3 5 Review of amendments in Schedule 9 4 Schedule 1—Single ongoing Act main amendme…".
Consideration of Senate message
The Senate dealt with the House response to amendments so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Consideration of House of Reps message
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the bill still needed stronger safeguards, oversight and follow-up changes to ensure veterans and families were not worse off during the move to one compensation system. That concern appears to have been limited and mostly conditional, raised by the Greens, independents and some supportive coalition speakers rather than forming broad opposition to the bill.
No party represented in the debate opposed the bill, but some support depended on later safeguards and review.
Too few safeguards against veterans being worse off
Critics argued the simplification itself was not enough and the bill should include stronger protections, including a no-detriment safeguard, so veterans and families were not disadvantaged by the transition to the new single-act model.
Reform seen as incomplete and needing stronger review
Some supporters said the bill was only a first step and did not fully resolve practical or structural problems, so they pushed for further amendments, stronger oversight and formal post-implementation review.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.
House 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.
Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.
House
The House agreed to the amendments made by the Senate, so the bill could pass both chambers in the same form.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
Senate
Passed 40 to 18. Support came from Liberal Party, Greens, Nationals, One Nation, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The Senate agreed to the proposed second-reading statement, so the bill passed this stage with that review call included in the motion.
Defeated 17 to 22. Support came from Greens, Australia's Voice, One Nation, UAP, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor and Liberal Party. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The Senate rejected the package, so none of those changes were added to the bill.
Defeated 16 to 25. Support came from Greens, Australia's Voice, One Nation, and UAP. Opposition came from Labor and Liberal Party. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The Senate rejected the package, so those service-definition changes did not proceed.
Davey and Fawcett’s proposal, decided on voices, would require the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee to review the Schedule 9 changes and report by 29 August 2025.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to Senator Pocock’s amendment during the second-reading stage.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to Senator Davey’s amendments to government amendments 1 and 2.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to the amendments on sheets ZA257 and ED101 and the related request for amendment on sheet ED101.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
Jacqui Lambie’s proposal, decided on voices, would extend the rules to deaths and injuries sustained at a person’s workplace or during a work recess, and would also broaden how some treatment-related injuries or diseases are described.
Defeated on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.
The parliamentary record also shows 1 Government request agreed without a counted division.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Keogh strongly supports the bill and says it will simplify and harmonise veterans' compensation law into a single system with better access, fairer payments, and less complexity for veterans and families.
Read in Hansard ↗Barnaby Joyce supports the bill and says it is part of the necessary work to simplify and harmonise veterans' entitlements, but he argues it is not the final answer and will need more work after the Senate inquiry and further amendments.
Read in Hansard ↗Haines supports the bill because it will simplify veterans' entitlements and improve support for veterans in her electorate, but she says it is only a start and must be improved with stronger protections and amendments.
Read in Hansard ↗Malarndirri McCarthy strongly supports the bill and says it will simplify and harmonise veterans' compensation laws into a single system, making claims faster and fairer.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
21 speakers · 24 contributions · 21 support
“This Bill delivers on the Albanese Government's commitment to implement the first recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide's Interim Report.”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.
Second reading speech
Keogh strongly supports the bill and says it will simplify and harmonise veterans' compensation law into a single system with better access, fairer payments, and less complexity for veterans and families. He presents it as a once-in-a-generation reform that delivers on the royal commissionThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system.'s recommendation and commends it to the House.
“Further details are included in the explanatory memorandum, and I commend the bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Keogh strongly supports the bill and says it will simplify and harmonise the veterans compensation system, making entitlements easier to understand and claims faster to process. He presents it as a major reform that the government promised to deliver and urges the House to pass it.
“Passage of this bill will be a huge step forward for Australia's veteran community and one that will benefit our current and former serving personnel for generations to come. I'd like to thank all of the ex-service organisations and advocates that work so tirelessly in supporting our veterans and family community, as well as for their detailed engagement in arriving at this bill coming before the parliament right now. I thank the House for its support of the bill and recognition of the sacrifices made by the veteran community on all of our behalves. I look forward to all of your support in passing this bill here and to the support of senators so that we can get on with the job of delivering a better future for defence personnel, veterans and families. I commend the bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“Today I rise proudly to support the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024. Our government, the Albanese government, is committed to delivering a better future for defence personnel, veterans and their families by ensuring that they can access the services and the support they need and, quite frankly, are entitled to and deserve.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“After seeing the conditions firsthand, I had a new appreciation for all who walked the gruelling trail during World War II and for all the men and women who sign up to serve our country and to protect our democratic society and the life that we love here in Australia. My experience in Kokoda made me even more passionate about fighting for our veterans and ensuring that they receive the support that they need. Through this bill, we are ensuring that, for veterans and their families who are seeking services and support, the system will be more streamlined and easier to access.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Matt Burnell on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Burnell supports the bill and says it is long overdue because it will simplify a broken, overly complicated veterans' benefits system and better match the nation's respect for veterans with real action.
“I rise today to support legislation that is long, long overdue, not by months but by a matter of years—the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024. This legislation helps to match actions with the words that we as a government, as a parliament and as a nation use to convey our collective respect toward our veterans for their service, their duty and the sacrifices they've made and continue to make for our country.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Burnell supports the bill and says it is an important step to fix a broken veterans compensation system by simplifying the three-act framework, reducing delay and confusion, and improving fairness for veterans. He also says the reforms were shaped by consultation with veterans, families and ex-service organisations.
“This bill aims to end that battle decisively, cutting through the confusion and delays that have plagued veterans for far too long. We owe them that, as a government. We owe them more than this convoluted system. We owe them clarity, dignity and fairness. I say this because the current system is broken. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide confirmed that beyond any doubt, and the sheer complexity of navigating these three different acts is causing veterans untold stress and tragedy. In some instances these systems have contributed to devastating losses of life, as veterans unable to cope with these processes have committed suicide. For those veterans, who gave part of their lifetime to serve their country and keep us safe, it is absolutely unfathomable that they've lost their lives altogether soon after—lost their lives trying to transition back into civilian life and lost their lives trying to receive crucial support they were already entitled to. This is a national tragedy. Reform is needed, and this bill is an important step towards that.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This bill is a much needed update to the work our predecessors started more than 100 years ago to support our returned veterans. This is the very least we can do, and I congratulate the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister Keogh, for his hard work on behalf of those who have worn our nations uniform and their families.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I commend this important bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But our government has taken this a step further. The bill before us streamlines the number from three acts into one. The bill would result in a single ongoing act from 1 July 2026. This will considerably simplify claims processing and give veterans and their families the support that they need faster.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Our veterans and their advocates have been calling for the entitlement process to be streamlined for years, and I am pleased to be speaking in support of a bill that does just that. This bill is the Albanese Labor government delivering the most comprehensive and significant improvement to veteran entitlements in more than 20 years. The Productivity Commission recommended slimming compensation legislation to two acts rather than three. Well, we have gone one better and are simplifying it to just one. This legislation means all new claims for compensation and rehabilitation will be untangled and determined through a single act, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, MRCA, the first one I mentioned.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill will make it easier for veterans and their families to know what they're entitled to, make it easier for veterans claims advocates to assist veterans and make it easier for those families with claims to be assisted as well. It will make it quicker for DVA to process claims so that veterans and families get the benefits they need and deserve in a timely way. We want it to be easier and fairer for veterans to get the support that they are legally and, quite frankly, morally entitled to.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In closing, we promised to act, and we have. This bill is a huge step forward for Australia's veteran community and will benefit our current and serving personnel for generations to come. I commend the bill to the chamber.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill simplifies and harmonises the current tri-act framework of legislation by providing for all claims for compensation and rehabilitation received from 1 July 2026 to be determined under the MRCA. The new regime will mean it is easier for veterans and families to understand what they are entitled to, easier for veterans' advocates to assist veterans and families with their DVA claims and simpler and quicker for DVA to process veterans' and families' claims so that veterans and families will receive the benefits and supports that they need and deserve more quickly. No veteran will be worse off under this legislation, and nobody will receive lower benefits than they are already receiving.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the veterans entitlements system to not only ensure that veterans get the timely support that they need but, most importantly, that they get the compensation for injuries and illness that they deserve and that they get the respect from the Australian government and the Australian people for their service to our nation. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This legislation reflects the fundamental principles of fairness, equity and respect for the dignity of our veterans. It's about more than just legislative reform; it's about fulfilling our national obligation to those who have given so much in service to Australia. It's about acknowledging the unique challenges faced by veterans and responding to them with a system that is compassionate, efficient and fit for purpose in the 21st century. I urge all members to support this important bill to ensure no veteran is left behind. Together we can build a support system that honours their service and provides the help they need to live fulfilling lives post service.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Certainly it's a relief to me as a citizen and as a former member of the Army Reserve that we now have a bill before us that will streamline the number of acts currently administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs from three to one. Simplifying claims processing is always a good idea. People need to know precisely what they have to do so that they can make their claim quickly, have it processed in a timely manner and receive the support that they and their family need and are entitled to receive. We acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the special nature of the commitment to defend Australia. We promise that we will embrace and support all military veterans as respected and valued members of our community. This bill is a part of the fulfilment of that promise. I'm proud to belong to a government that takes its promises seriously.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I want to end by saying that, as the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and life member of the RSL, I want to assure Australian veterans and their families that the Labor government have them very much at the centre of our thinking, and we are very much on their side. I am pleased that this legislation is before the House. I call on all members of parliament to support it and to do so without delay.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill represents the most significant commitment from a government to simplify veteran legislation since the introduction of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act nearly 20 years ago. It will drastically reduce the complexity of the system and ultimately give veterans and families the support that they need much faster.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This is an historic reform. It will benefit veterans and their families for generations to come. I commend the bill to the Senate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It's a really important piece of legislation and our facility, the hub, will be a really significant part of ensuring that, going forward, veterans and their families are able to access the information they need so they're well supported when they leave the Defence Force. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill does that and starts an important step in the journey of addressing the royal commission's recommendations.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Fiona Phillips on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Phillips appears to support the bill, saying veterans' claims are still too complex under three separate compensation acts and need a simpler, harmonised system. She frames it as part of fixing long processing delays and improving support for veterans and their families.
“However, adding to the complexity of the claims process is that under the current legislative model veterans' entitlements are determined by either one or more of three primary compensation acts: the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, MCRA; the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, VEA; and/or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988, DRCA.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Fiona Phillips supports the bill, arguing that in 2019, the Productivity Commission recommended that the current three acts be streamlined into two. The speech also says that it's important to note from the outset that no veteran will be worse off under this legislation and nobody will receive lower benefits than they are already receiving.
“In 2019, the Productivity Commission recommended that the current three acts be streamlined into two. The Albanese government has taken that a step further.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
11 speakers · 11 support
“In closing, I would like to commend this bill and thank all those who have brought their tragic stories to our doors and into our offices.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The complexity of dealing with multiple acts—and my great friend beside me is a veteran who has qualifying service for all three acts—is confusing. It is complex. The attempts to harmonise and simplify the acts applying to our veterans going forward are commendable. I don't for a second suggest that it's an easy process for the minister to deal with, but we need to make sure that no veterans will be worse off as a result of the decisions we're making here today.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill will help them. This bill will simplify the process. We, as a collective, as a parliament, can make that happen seamlessly, but I want to remember and I want to raise those other points that I raised about family, about wellness and about looking forward. As far as I'm concerned, we can't be looking down, because, if you look down, you'll fall over.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“To conclude, the legislation as such is supported. However, there are significant changes that I think the government should take on board. (Time expired)”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As Senator Davey said, we are not going to stay in the way of the passage of this bill, because, as groups like the RSL and others have highlighted, we've waited too long for this and we should get this through.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I commend this legislation for what it does, but, in saying that, I note there has been some criticism. I will raise those criticisms in a short while. But, just getting back to the MOU between CSU and Pro Patria, it aims to collaborate on the following:”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill will amend the MRCA to be a single act for veterans rehabilitation and compensation from 1 July 2026, so there will be a period of time for implementation. While we all would have preferred it if this had been done quicker, I think the most important thing is that we get it right. The DRCA and the VEA will be closed to new liability and compensation claims from 1 July 2026. The MRCA will be open to claims arising from service which would previously have been determined under either the DRCA or the VEA.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We will be supporting this bill, as I said at the outset. It has been a long time coming, but it is the right thing to do to streamline it. I really hope that we continue to watch, monitor and hold the DVA to account. I'm sure they're preparing for the next estimates diligently. Let's hope that we can make our veterans' lives a little bit easier by passing this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why the royal commission into veteran suicide had as its first recommendation to simplify and harmonise veteran compensation and rehabilitation legislation. The law should be simple, clear, available and easily understood. You should not have to engage an advocate. You certainly should not have to engage a lawyer. So it is important that this reform happens, and I commend the government for bringing it forward. I wish they'd brought it forward a year earlier, but here we are. It has been brought forward now.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So we approach this with a great deal of bipartisanship and a great deal of goodwill towards working with the government and supporting the government to do everything that we can, not just to pass this legislation and implement this particular recommendation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill should go through this week and it will have the support of the coalition.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 1 support · 1 mixed
“The Australian Greens support the policy of harmonising the current veterans' entitlements and rehabilitation and compensation arrangements from three acts into one. To that extent, we will be supporting the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, and we will be navigating our way through a variety of amendments that have been proposed from all around the chamber on the bill. However, there needs to be continuing support and dialogue with veterans and their families to ensure that the intent of the bill is met—that is, that no-one is left worse off.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Greens will reserve their position on this bill in the Senate to pursue amendments that will bring veterans and families comfort that they will be heard and not made worse.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“We're willing to give the government the benefit of the doubt when it comes to converting three acts, 2,000 pages of legislation and more than 800 legislative instruments into one act. As other senators have mentioned, it's not rare for veterans to have claims under all three separate acts. This obviously needs desperate change. Throughout this process, we do not want to see any veterans worse off. One Nation notes with concern submissions that state some changes may have the intention of easier administration not achieving the veterans full entitlements. That's a deep concern. We'll be supporting the amendments codifying the Senate's intent that no veteran is left worse off after this bill's passage.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
5 speakers · 6 contributions · 5 support
“I support this bill because it will make a difference for veterans living in my electorate. I hear too often from veterans at breaking point, forced to deal with a broken system, and, while I support the intent of this bill, it alone is not enough and certainly not soon enough. This government and any future government must be prepared to respond to the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide with more action and more funding to help veterans. This bill is just the start.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Jacqui Lambie on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Lambie supports the bill and says it is an important step toward implementing the royal commissionThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system.'s recommendations, while warning that it will not fix everything and that much more work still remains. She also says the government has rushed the measure through but believes they have largely got it right.
“The passage of this bill won't fix everything, but the speed of the government response is now down to you. To you, Matt, once again, thank you. I know that we have tried to rush this through, and I'm pretty sure we've got it right—we've got to be damn close—but there is still a lot of work to be done. There are still over 120 recommendations to be put through as quickly as possible.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Lambie supports the bill, but says it needs her amendments to better deliver the royal commissionThe royal commission whose findings drove the push to simplify the veterans claims system. reforms for veterans. Her main concerns are stronger independent oversight, broader liability coverage, and strict time limits for claims so veterans and their families are not left waiting.
“I foreshadow that I will be moving the second reading amendments to the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, on amendment sheet 3032 revised, standing in my name. Veterans, their families, their kids and their mates fought for decades to get a royal commission into Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Since the commissioners handed down their recommendations, my office has been continually working and getting feedback from the veteran community and, most importantly, looking at amendments that will make the government's response to the royal commission's recommendations work for our veterans.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“For too long veterans have been navigating a confusing and inequitable system of overlapping legislation. The existing system comprises three different acts that determine veteran entitlements, rehabilitation and compensation arrangements, often creating confusion and leading to different levels of and eligibility for supports for individuals based on factors like age or where an injury occurred. It is a labyrinth. At least three public reports, including the Productivity Commission review in 2019, as well as the more recent Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide highlighted how this structure is contributing to delays, inequity and a lack of clarity for those seeking help. This bill will consolidate acts into the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, MRCA, which should reduce some of that complexity. While this bill streamlines some of the inconsistency, it won't fix all the complexity. Many of the Senate inquiry submissions have pointed out that, although consolidating legislation is a good first step, it doesn't address the issues of complexity that exist within an amalgamated MRCA. The message to us is this is a good first step but not the end of the road.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to support the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024. Simplification and harmonisation of the three different veteran entitlements acts is long overdue. As the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide found, the complicated and unwieldly system of veterans entitlements has adversely affected the mental health of veterans. There is no doubt that this has been the case. It contributed to an antiquated and inadequate veterans compensation system that tragically cost lives.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“While the bill does not implement the model proposed by the Productivity Commission, I believe the bill achieves the aims of a more simplified and harmonised framework. I sincerely hope that this proposed structure will reduce processing times and therefore alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with complex applications and waiting times.”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 · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
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 · 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 · Committee of the whole: amendments considered
Amendments considered
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Senate · Bill agreed to, subject to requests
Bill agreed to, subject to requests
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Consideration of Senate message
Consideration of Senate message
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
House · Consideration of Senate message
House agreed to Senate amendments
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Senate · Consideration of House of Reps message Details: Senate agreed to House amendment
Consideration of House message
The Senate dealt with the House response to amendments so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
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 Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee; Committee report (03/10/2024)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (4 July 2024): Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee; Committee report (3 Oct 2024)
APH bill page notes
