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

Shoebridge expressed support for the principle of an early review, noting the complexity of the legislation and the need to identify unintended consequences. Shoebridge acknowledged the potential for confusion among veterans due to multiple parallel review processes, including the interim commissioner's work and the Senate committee reviews. Shoebridge emphasised the need for cooperation to prevent these processes from duplicating efforts or burdening the veteran community unnecessarily.

Lambie moved amendments to include injuries sustained at work in entitlements and to establish an Expert Committee on Veteran Research to oversee health and wellbeing studies. Lambie also proposed statutory time limits for determining compensation claims, with automatic acceptance if deadlines were missed. These amendments were withdrawn or not passed due to the expiration of debate time.

Shoebridge asked for the amendment on sheet 2910 to be voted on individually to enable separate scrutiny. This procedural matter was recorded during the committee stage.

Sterle announced that the time allocated for debate on the bill had expired, effectively ending further discussion on pending amendments.

Pratt put the question on the Australian Greens amendment regarding the review of warlike service definitions, along with requests for amendments concerning nuclear test participants. Pratt facilitated the final voting process on these items.

Pocock expressed support for the Greens amendment on sheet 3285, which proposed an independent review into whether peacekeeping service should be included in the definition of warlike service. His support contributed to the passage of this specific amendment.