Skye Kakoschke-Moore (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to outline the Nick Xenophon's Team's position in relation to Senator Lambie's amendments. At the outset I would like to emphasise our acknowledgement of the place of deep concern from which Senator Lambie's amendments arise. I understand she is seeking to incorporate into the DRCA a section in relation to emphasising that, in order to minimise the duration and severity of injuries to a veteran or a Defence personnel member, rehabilitation should be arranged quickly. We acknowledge this. We have received advice from the government and also from the opposition that, while these amendments have come from good intentions, they may in fact have some unintended consequences for those veterans. That is why, although we strongly support Senator Lambie and we strongly support the principle of allowing veterans and Defence personnel access to timely rehabilitation, we are uneasy about supporting these amendments.