Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 27 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Veterans' Affairs introduced the bill to implement technical amendments supporting the transition to a simplified veterans entitlement system. The legislation aims to ensure the smooth operation of the new single-act framework commencing on 1 July 2026. Key measures included clarifying compensation rules, maintaining existing benefits, and updating administrative procedures for reviews and health care. The Minister emphasised that no veteran would experience a reduction in payments. The debate was adjourned without further discussion from other members.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 3 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Tuesday 3 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned technical amendments required to implement the simplification of the veterans' entitlement system, transitioning from a tri-act framework to a single legislation under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 by 1 July 2026. While the government and opposition broadly supported the simplification objective, significant concern was raised regarding a provision requiring notification to the Chief of the Defence Force when serving members access non-liability healthcare or lodge reviews. The Coalition moved an amendment to remove this notification requirement, citing privacy and career risk concerns, though the debate adjourned before a final vote was recorded.

   Outcome: The debate adjourned without a recorded vote on the bill or amendments.

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4. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The Minister for Veterans' Affairs moved a government amendment to remove a specific provision from the bill. The amendment targeted item 44 of Schedule 1, which concerned notifications regarding non-liability health care. The Minister explained that such notifications already occur and that the government wished to review the approach in the future. The amendment was agreed to, and the bill was passed as amended.

   Outcome: The amendment was agreed to and the bill, as amended, was agreed to.

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5. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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6. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned technical amendments required to implement the simplified veterans entitlement system under the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025. The National Party and Labor supported the bill to ensure a smooth transition to a single compensation framework by 1 July 2026. The Liberal Party supported the bill's passage but criticised the government for requiring a second miscellaneous measures bill and moved an amendment to remove mandatory notification of the Chief of the Defence Force regarding veteran claims, which was not carried.

   Outcome: The bill was passed with the opposition amendment removed.

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7. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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