Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. A veteran who served multiple combat tours in Afghanistan said, and I quote: 'Dealing with Minister Keogh, I think I prefer to deal with the Taliban. That was much more simple. I signed on to fight enemies of Australia, not fight our own MPs that are supposed to be here representing us.' Prime Minister, how much more evidence is needed before you sack this incompetent minister?

Milton Dick (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Bruce will leave the chamber under 94(a).

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm always honoured to meet with veterans and to speak with them and to listen to them. I think that was an unfortunate quote used by—

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, I think that I have a problem with the Taliban. When it comes to the issues that are raised, one of the things that we have done is to continue to operate from the philosophy that our veterans have stepped up for us and we need to step up for them. And that is why, under this Minister for Veterans Affairs, we dealt with a range of issues, including an extra $16 billion to tackle the backlog of veterans' compensation and rehabilitation claims and to provide additional health support.

That is why, as well, we have responded constructively to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. That is why we engaged constructively. I met some of the veterans who were here earlier this week just in the corridor. I introduced myself to them. I've said I'm happy to meet with them. We of course have supported changes, as the minister has said, to ensure that services can actually be delivered in reality rather than just in theory, and we are consulting—

Opposition members interjecting—

Okay.

Milton Dick (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Has the Prime Minister concluded his answer? Yes.