David Feeney (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Excellent. Perhaps we will get you some satisfaction, Senator. Perhaps Senator Ronaldson's days as your spokesperson are numbered. I understand that the RSL and the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia have seen all parts of the addendum with the exception of the final paragraph—that is, the paragraph beginning 'The Repatriation Commission'. I can advise the Senate that the discussions with VVFA and DVA on concerns about double dipping have occurred, that there have been discussions between the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the operational working party, which is comprised of ex-service organisations, on the text of the explanatory memorandum. There has been a discussion between the minister's office, the RSL and the VVFA about the explanatory memorandum. Further, I am advised that John Hodges of the RSL has indicated he is broadly supportive and I note again that the explanatory memorandum does not change anything—that it spells out the current operations and sets out the fact that there will be further consultations.

Senator Xenophon interjecting—

I understand both are true. These amendments result in no change. They are clarifying and affirming only and no disability pension will be affected.