Question Time AU

Bill Debate · In Committee

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; In Committee

Senate · Monday 30 March 2026

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

At a glance

The Senate debated amendments to the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025 during consideration in committee. Senator Lambie moved an amendment to require annual inquiries into the implementation of royal commission recommendations, which was supported by the Greens and Senator Pocock but opposed by the government and the coalition. The government and coalition argued that annual reviews would divert resources and that the bill already provided for comprehensive reports in 2027 and 2030. An opposition amendment to bring forward the first report date to February 2027 was passed with government support. The bills were subsequently agreed to and reported.

Outcome

The opposition amendment to set the first report date to 5 February 2027 was agreed to, and both bills were agreed to and reported.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind

Pocock expressed concern about the speed of legislative processes but supported the bills as necessary steps to address the culture of the Australian Defence Force and veteran suicide rates. Pocock endorsed Senator Lambie's amendment requiring annual reporting on the implementation of royal commission recommendations to ensure government accountability. Pocock also supported amendments granting veterans legal representation at the Veterans' Review Board and reviewing fee schedules. Pocock moved Senator Lambie's amendment to mandate continuous inquiries until parliamentary resolution declared implementation complete.

Government response

Jenny McAllister (Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) ALP NSW

McAllister acknowledged the advocacy of Senator Lambie but opposed the amendment for annual inquiries, stating that a 12-month timeline was insufficient to assess all 122 recommendations. McAllister explained that the bill required comprehensive reports in 2027 and 2030, with the commissioner able to undertake other inquiries as needed. McAllister noted that the government would support the opposition's amendment to bring the first report date forward to 5 February 2027. McAllister highlighted that 32 recommendations were expected to be implemented by the end of 2025.

Opposition response

Susan McDonald (Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Nationals QLD

McDonald stated that the coalition could not support Senator Lambie's amendment because the commission was not intended to be a continuous monitoring body for government implementation. McDonald argued that requiring annual inquiries would divert resources from the commission's primary role of independent inquiry and systemic examination. McDonald explained that the coalition had adjusted the first report date to February 2027 to allow sufficient time for a meaningful report. McDonald moved an opposition amendment to change the first mandated inquiry date to 5 February 2027.