My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Yesterday in response to Senator Cash's questions on your government's cruel cuts to military veterans' health services you said, 'The minister is engaging with the RSL and veterans representatives on these issues.' Minister, can you advise which RSL and veterans representatives the minister has engaged with and which ones support Labor's $5,000 cap on allied health services for our veterans?

First, I again want to reiterate what I've said multiple times, and particularly, with members of the ADF here, I want to again say that anyone who serves our country is entitled to the respect of the nation, and those who have served our country are entitled to the appropriate support and care after their service. I want to again make the point that the government has increased the fees paid to allied health professionals who are providing services to veterans, as recommended by the royal commission. We have also made changes, as I went through yesterday, to the threshold which has been the subject of concerns.

I want to say, on the concerns that have been clearly raised by veterans groups, that this is something the government takes very seriously and to indicate that the government is taking feedback onboard. I think I indicated that Minister Keogh started a form of consultations last week following the release of the consultation paper. I can also say that I know that the Prime Minister engaged yesterday with a group of veterans, as requested by them. If I have anything further to add—and I think there was some politics in the question, but on the non-political part, which is, 'Can you give an—

What was the politics?

Sorry—

Senator Sharma?

A point of order on relevance: I've been very patient here. My question was quite straightforward. Which RSL and veterans representatives has the minister engaged with? There was no politics in that question.

Thank you, Senator Sharma. The minister is being relevant to the question, and I'll continue to listen carefully.

Last part of your question, Senator Sharma, but that's okay. What I was just, as a matter of courtesy, saying to you—but you were very keen to interrupt me—was that I don't have information about specific meetings with Minister Keogh; I don't represent Minister Keogh. But if I can provide further information on that I will. I can indicate that the Prime Minister, as I understand it, did engage with veterans yesterday on this issue.

Senator Sharma, a supplementary.

Thank you, Minister. In response to Senator Cash's questions yesterday, you said, 'I would say that the government has heard the concerns raised by veterans.' Minister, what are these concerns that have been raised by veterans?

Well, I think they have been ventilated here and also in the public statements. Obviously, of particular concern was what was regarded as a $5,000 limit, which, as I understand—and I think I've indicated to this chamber—is a $5,000 threshold, and additional—

Well, because additional support can be provided and would be provided if there were a clinical need—and I think they've indicated that to you. I note also that there have been conversations, including publicly, about the approach that the Department of Veterans' Affairs takes. We do take those seriously. I would note, as I did previously, that there were thousands of Australian veterans who—there were 42,000 veteran compensation claims when you were in government that you sat on and did not process. I don't recall you, Senator Sharma, at any point saying anything about that. (Time expired)

Senator Sharma, second supplementary?

Minister, veterans served this country when Australia asked them to. Some came home carrying injuries they will live with for the rest of their lives. They are now pleading with your government to not make their health care harder to access. How much louder do our veterans have to cry out before the Prime Minister listens, keeps faith with them and scraps this cruel $5,000 cap?

You are right; veterans do deserve the respect and care of a nation. I've said that on multiple occasions. Secondly, I would note that, as I have just said, the Prime Minister has met with veterans. I understand that concerns were raised about the change that was made. They've been raised with me personally. I again indicate what I've said to this chamber—that it has been clear that, if there remains a clinical need, support and services beyond the $5,000 threshold would be continued. I note that the RSL and nine other veteran service organisations have acknowledged the government is addressing some of the key concerns and is urging families of veterans and veterans to take part in the consultations which the government is implementing, and I hope that occurs so that the consultations can result in a responsive policy.