House debates

Monday, 21 October 2019

Bills

Australian Veterans' Recognition (Putting Veterans and Their Families First) Bill 2019; Second Reading

6:43 pm

Photo of Darren ChesterDarren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

I present a revised explanatory memorandum to this bill, and I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I am pleased to introduce the Australian Veterans' Recognition (Putting Veterans and Their Families First) Bill 2019. This bill recognises the unique nature of military service, and acknowledges and gives thanks to veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made while serving in the Australian Defence Force. The government shares the Australian people's appreciation of the contribution made to our nation by our military, those who have defended Australia and those prepared to defend it.

The welfare of veterans and their families remains a priority for this government. An annual statement to parliament on the government's ongoing commitment to veterans and their families has been delivered by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs each year since 2017, and I was privileged to deliver this year's statement just last week.

The introduction of this bill sees the realisation of an Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant, where everyone can acknowledge, support and pay respect to all who have served or are currently serving in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, or Reserve. The Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant enables Australians from all walks of life to honour Australia's proud military history. The bill enshrines the Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant in legislation, providing an opportunity for the nation to recognise the service and the sacrifice of all who have committed to defend the nation and those who continue to do so, and to pledge their commitment to support veterans and their families.

The government acknowledges through this bill the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, and the challenges they may experience during and after their military service. Also recognised and acknowledged is that veterans can require additional support to be provided in a way that is appropriate and sensitive to their individual circumstances.

In addition to the covenant, anyone with a single day of service will receive a veterans card and a lapel pin once released. The card and lapel pin will provide a visual method for the Australian community and businesses to recognise a veteran and for veterans to recognise one another. Importantly, the bill also includes a statement in relation to the beneficial nature of veterans legislation to provide further support to the principles of statutory interpretation that determinations are to be made fairly, justly, consistent with legislation and similar type claims, and in a timely manner so that the public may trust and have confidence in the determinations made.

I commend this bill.

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