Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move:

That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing 111 not apply to the Defence Service Homes Amendment (Insurance) Bill 2025, allowing it to be considered during this period of settings.

I also table a statement of reasons justifying the need for the bill to be considered during these sittings, and I seek leave to have the statement incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The statement read as follows—

Purpose of Bill

This Bill will amend the Defence Service Homes Act 1918 to regularise activities the Commonwealth carries out, through the Department of Veterans' Affairs, as an authorised representative of an insurer to provide insurance products to current serving ADF members, veterans and their families. It will also give authority to the Commonwealth for its engagement in such activities in the past.

Reasons for Urgency

The rapid passage of this legislation is required to confirm the Commonwealth's authority to act as an authorised representative for an insurer and ensure the continuity of insurance services expected of the veteran community.

The Commonwealth's withdrawal from these activities would require careful, and potentially protracted, planning and would result in significant inconvenience for current serving ADF members, veterans and families who benefit from these longstanding insurance arrangements.