Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all members for their contribution to the debate on the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) Bill 2017. The bill gives effect to three of the veterans' affairs 2017 budget measures, all of which will benefit the defence and ex-service community.

The first measure would provide improved health care for Australian participants of the British nuclear tests and civilians present at a nuclear test area during a relevant period and Australian veterans of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. In recognition of the possible exposure to ionizing radiation experienced by both Australian veterans of BCOF and the BNT veterans, the government has decided to provide a gold card to these veterans, which will enable them to access medical treatment for all conditions. This program will also provide healthcare coverage for pastoralists, Indigenous people and other civilians determined to be within the same vicinity as the participants of the British nuclear tests. From 1 July 2017, it is expected that 2,800 people will be able to access these expanded services. The government has committed $133.1 million over the forward estimates to this measure.

The second measure would amend the current outdated work history restrictions for the special and intermediate rates of disability pension provided in the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 to better reflect modern working arrangements. The changes would remove the current requirement for claimants over 65 to have worked for 10 years with the same employer, and for self-employed clients to have worked for 10 years in the same profession, trade, vocation or calling. In the modern workforce, these expectations are unrealistic, and the government recognises this. Instead, the work history requirement for special and intermediate rates of disability pension would just require a period of 10 continuous years of work in any field or vocation, with potentially multiple employers, prior to applying for the special or intermediate rates of disability pension.

The third measure would facilitate early access to a rehabilitation pilot program for certain veterans and Australian Defence Force members. Early access to rehabilitation facilitates participation in economic activities, with all of the ensuing benefits of work and recovery, assists in minimising the ongoing effects of injury and illness and promotes recovery and wellbeing. A six-month pilot program providing early access to rehabilitation assessment to a group of 100 participants will be undertaken in the 2017-18 financial year.

I would like to acknowledge the contribution to the debate of this bill made by the member for Grey, who noted that over 300,000 Australians rely on support from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. He knows that the government's extra investment of $350 million will mean to them. As he put it, this money, particularly in mental health support, will help veterans fight the battles they face when they return home from service. For his electorate, this budget has particular significance; it is where some of the British nuclear tests took place. As he said, we are correcting some things we did in the past that we did not understand by doing something today that we know is right. I thank the member for Grey for his support in making this possible.

I would also like to thank the member for Solomon, who noted the significance of this budget and the measures for the BNT veterans and civilians. He knows what it means in particular for the Indigenous people who were impacted by these tests. I thank the member for Forrest, who has a long history of involvement with veterans and knows what some of the changes in this budget will mean for her community. As she mentioned, streamlining the DVA processes will be welcomed by all veterans in her electorate because it will mean wait and claims times will come down. I would also like to mention the contribution of the member for Lingiari, who spoke of his personal dealings with families who have been impacted by the British nuclear tests and apologised on behalf of previous governments who have not acted in this area. I commend the member for Lingiari for his heartfelt contribution to this debate.

Finally, I would like to thank the shadow minister for her support and contribution and for helping ensure that we get this bill through in time so we can provide the support come 1 July. Thank you, shadow minister, for your help and cooperation in ensuring that we can get the help to the veterans as soon as possible. The shadow minister knows that this budget will deliver a revolution in how we provide mental health support to veterans. We will now commence the job of making sure all veterans who need help know they can get it.

I will finish by asking all members of the House to reach out to veterans and ensure that the word is publicised that there is help and support for all mental health conditions now. We want to make sure they get help as early as possible because we all know that is the best way to make sure you can recover.

I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

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