Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The amendments in the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (MRCA Supplement) Bill 2011 make minor amendments to the MRCA supplement provisions in the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. The MRCA supplement was introduced as part of the secure and sustainable pension reform package.

It replaced telephone allowance and pharmaceutical allowance from 20 September 2009. The changes in this bill will ensure that the wholly dependent partner of the deceased member who died before 20 September 2009 can receive the former pharmaceutical allowance component of the MRCA supplement where the wholly dependent partner has chosen to take a lump sum compensation payment.

Further amendments will ensure that persons receiving MRCA supplement under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act cannot receive an equivalent payment under the Veterans Entitlements Act or the Social Security Act. These amendments give effect to the intended policy in relation to MRCA supplement and ensure that members, former members and dependents receive their correct entitlements.

Question agreed to.

Bill read second time