Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

This bill, the Defence Service Homes Amendment Bill 2019, amends the Defence Service Homes Act 1918 to expand eligibility to the Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme to all current and former members of the ADF who have at least one day of continuous service. As the Minister for Defence, I understand that the Australian community, rightly, has a clear expectation that veterans and members of the Defence Force and their families will be well looked after, and of course, as a government, we are absolutely committed to recognising their service.

On 24 April 2019, this government announced that expanded eligibility under the scheme would commence from 1 January next year. Expansion of eligibility under the scheme will close existing gaps in eligibility for ADF members and also for veterans and will ensure that all current and former members of the ADF are eligible for home building insurance under the scheme, regardless of the type of service to our nation that they have undertaken. The bill will ensure that reservists and also peacekeepers, currently ineligible to participate in the scheme, will have access to the scheme. Widows and widowers will also be eligible under the scheme.

The amendments will align the Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme to the Australian government's policy of supporting all veterans who have served, regardless of their type or length of service, in recognition of their sacrifice and service to our nation. These amendments will mean better outcomes for defence members and veterans and for their families. I thank senators for their contribution to this bill, and I commend it to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.