Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs introduced the bill as part of a legislative package to establish the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner in standalone legislation. The measure makes necessary consequential amendments to existing acts, including the Archives Act 1983 and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986. These changes facilitate the transfer of provisions from the Defence Act 1903. The debate was adjourned without further discussion.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Matt Keogh (Burt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Keogh argued that the bill was essential to enshrine the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner in its own legislation, as originally intended. Keogh explained that the bill implemented measures from the primary Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025 by making minor consequential amendments. Specifically, Keogh noted that the bill updated the Archives Act 1983 and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to reflect the movement of provisions from the Defence Act 1903. Keogh commended the bill to the House for these technical adjustments.

Government response

Matt Keogh (Minister for Veterans' Affairs; Minister for Defence Personnel) ALP Burt

Keogh stated that the bill was part of a two-bill package designed to establish the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner in standalone legislation. Keogh clarified that the bill made consequential amendments to the Archives Act 1983 and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986. These changes were necessary because the provision establishing the Commissioner was being moved from the Defence Act 1903. Keogh directed members to the explanatory memorandum for further details on the measures.