Matt Keogh (Burt, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank members for their contributions to the debate on the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025. I thank all those who have participated, especially those who have served themselves, for sharing their experiences in the debate on this bill. I note in particular the contributions from the member for Petrie in that regard as well as the member for Solomon.

I also acknowledge the contribution made by the shadow minister, the member for Gippsland, and thank him for his bipartisan support not just for this legislation but for the VETS Act itself as well as the related legislation. I also acknowledge he made some comments about some other legislation in the course of the debate. Whilst all his comments in relation to that were not entirely accurate, I look forward to continuing to work constructively with him in relation to those matters—as we seek to do with all matters concerning our veteran and serving community.

The member for Sturt made a great contribution acknowledging the work of the Military and Emergency Services Health Australia organisation in her electorate. The member for Riverina, another former Minister for Veterans' Affairs, also spoke about the work we did together announcing funding for the veteran wellbeing hub in his community of Wagga Wagga as well as the Pro Patria organisation, and the great work they are doing. The member for Solomon, as the Special Envoy for Veterans' Affairs, has been doing great work not just in his community in Darwin and the Northern Territory but around Australia. He and I speak regularly about the work he has done supporting the new veterans and families hub in Darwin, the recently-opened new Darwin Services Club and homeless veterans in his community. And I thank the member for Casey for his contribution just now in particular acknowledging the work done in his community, as we see being done all over Australia, by so many ex-service organisations in commemorating the service of our Defence Force personnel on days like Remembrance Day, Anzac Day and other days of special commemoration.

All members have spoken about their engagement with veterans, families and ex-service organisations in their electorates, and the difference a better and simpler veterans entitlement system will make in their community. Members have also shared the importance of this reform following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Importantly, this bill continues our work to implement the recommendations of the royal commission. I thank our serving personnel, veterans and families as well as the ex-service organisations who continue to engage as we undertake this important reform and create a better and simpler veterans entitlement system. 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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