Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The first Albanese budget has, rightly, lifted support for veterans. Our budget tackles many of the issues people have talked to me about—improving the claims process, simplifying laws and providing better support as people shift into civilian life. It implements key recommendations from the interim royal commission report, with more than $230 million to bring on 500 new front-line staff to eliminate the compensation claims backlog—a key election promise—plus an increase in TPI payments. At a local level, my promise of a veterans and families hub for our region is funded—a $5 million election commitment. In addition, we've continued the $5 million for the Scheyville veterans families and community centre, which will provide a range of wellbeing opportunities for veterans and the community alike. I look forward to working closely with my community as we develop both these projects. Veterans have stood up for us, and in return we must look after them.