Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Corporate Governance and Responsibility) Share this | Hansard source

I indicate that the opposition have already circulated an identical amendment in relation to this issue that is opposing the removal of the term ‘medical officers’ in various provisions relating to the assessment process for entitlement to the disability support pension. I have outlined in my speech on the second reading reasons for that. We have an amendment that is in identical terms to that of the Australian Greens. Obviously we will be supporting this amendment.

It was interesting watching the debate in the House of Representatives on this matter when, frankly, the minister’s argument was almost entirely self-contradictory, on the one hand saying that this in fact made no change and on the other hand trying to explain why the change was a good idea. We do take very seriously the concerns raised by organisations such as the Mental Health Council and the Australian Confederation of Disability Organisations on this. The minister in the other place and the minister representing tonight have made similar remarks that try to brush away those concerns. It is very clear that the position of the government or its interpretation of its amendments is not accepted by significant community groups in this sector and we continue to press for these amendments as previously outlined.