Question Time AU

General Debate

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026

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

At a glance

The Senate debated a motion moved by Senator Jacqui Lambie marking the second anniversary of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide final report. The motion called on the government to urgently implement accepted recommendations and address barriers to care. The government supported the motion, highlighting progress on reforms and funding increases. Opposition and crossbench members criticised the government's handling of veteran support, particularly regarding the allied health cap and claims processing delays, while debating the historical records of previous governments.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Jacqui Lambie (TAS) (Jacqui Lambie Network) JLN

Lambie moved the motion, arguing that two years after the royal commission report, veterans still face significant barriers to timely care. Lambie criticised the Department of Veterans' Affairs and Defence for failing to implement changes, citing ongoing cultural issues and slow claims processing. Lambie specifically opposed the $5,000 cap on allied health care introduced in the 2026 budget, arguing it contradicted the royal commission's emphasis on timely access. Lambie called for the resignation of senior DVA officials and urged the government to accept a higher percentage of claims automatically to reduce backlogs.

Government response

Jenny McAllister (NSW) (Australian Labor Party) [Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme] ALP

McAllister stated the government supported the motion and acknowledged the royal commission's significance. McAllister reported that 32 recommendations had been implemented by the end of the previous year, with two-thirds expected by year-end, including the establishment of the Defence and Veterans Service Commission. McAllister highlighted that DVA had cleared a backlog of 42,000 claims and that determinations had increased by 42 per cent since 2022-23. McAllister noted that approximately $15 billion was spent on veteran payments and services in 2025-26, representing a $5 billion increase from four years prior.