Bill Debate · Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026
Continued from Tuesday 3 February 2026.
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
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.
The bill was passed with the opposition amendment removed.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Continued the debate
McCormack argued that the legislation was vital for supporting veterans after their military careers ended. McCormack referenced the values of the Australian Defence Force and the responsibility of the Department of Veterans' Affairs to assist those who serve. McCormack stated that the bill ensured the government would be there for veterans when they needed help.
Government response
Keogh stated the bill implemented reforms from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide by simplifying the tri-act system. Keogh explained that 16 technical amendments ensured a smooth transition to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 by 1 July 2026. Keogh assured that no veteran would experience a reduction in payments and thanked the opposition for supporting a minor government amendment.
Opposition response
Price supported the bill to facilitate the transition to a single compensation system but criticised the need for a second miscellaneous measures bill. Price argued that automatic notification of the Chief of the Defence Force when members accessed non-liability healthcare created stigma and barriers to care. Price moved an amendment to remove this mandatory notification requirement, asserting that such decisions should rest with the serving member.