Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered government and opposition amendments to the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, including changes to compensation payments and review mechanisms. Government amendments were defeated in Division 18, while opposition amendments to accelerate the review of the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission were defeated in Division 20. Jacqui Lambie moved further amendments regarding injury coverage and research committees, which were not passed due to time constraints, and the Greens withdrew their amendments after expressing concerns. The Greens also moved an amendment to review the definition of warlike service, which was supported by David Pocock.

   Outcome: The bill was agreed to with amendments and a request, and the report was adopted.

   Read the full summary

2. Thursday 13 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration of Senate Message

   The House considered Senate amendments to the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024. A constitutional objection was raised regarding Senate amendment 4, which altered the destination of appropriated funds under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. The House agreed to disagree with the Senate's version of amendment 4 to comply with constitutional requirements. A message from the Governor-General was obtained, allowing the House to move a substantively identical amendment. The bill was subsequently passed with all amendments agreed to.

   Outcome: The House disagreed with Senate amendment 4, agreed to the House-substituted amendment, and agreed to Senate amendments 1 to 3, finalising the bill.

   Read the full summary

3. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   Consideration of House of Representatives Message
   See who spoke

4. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
   See who spoke