Bill Debate · Second Reading

Statute Update Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 10 September 2026

Continued from Thursday 2 July 2026.

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

At a glance

The Senate debated the Statute Update Bill 2026, a technical measure to clean up legislation, alongside significant amendments concerning veterans' affairs. The Coalition and crossbench members moved amendments to remove a proposed $5,000 annual cap on allied health services for veterans, arguing the policy was financially motivated and harmful to those with complex injuries. The government opposed these amendments, stating that consultations were underway and the bill was not the appropriate vehicle for such changes. One Nation also moved an amendment to remove retrospective application of war crime definitions. The debate highlighted deep divisions over the treatment of veterans and the government's refusal to withdraw the cap before implementation.

Outcome

The transcript does not state the final result of the vote on the bill or amendments.

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

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Michaelia Cash (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Cash supported the Statute Update Bill but strongly advocated for the Coalition amendment to remove the $5,000 cap on allied health care for veterans. Cash argued that the cap represented a betrayal of the government's promise to support those who served, characterising it as a cost-saving measure driven by financial mismanagement rather than clinical need. Cash asserted that the Coalition had listened to veterans who expressed distress over the limit, contrasting this with the government's approach. Cash challenged the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to support the amendment, framing the vote as a test of their commitment to the veteran community.

Government response

Nita Green (Assistant Minister for Tourism; Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs; Assistant Minister for Northern Australia) ALP QLD

Green supported the Statute Update Bill as a necessary technical measure to improve the clarity and accessibility of Commonwealth legislation, noting its bipartisan history. Green opposed the amendments regarding veterans' health, stating that the government was currently consulting with stakeholders to ensure no gaps in service occurred before the reforms took effect in ten months. Green argued that the bill was not the appropriate mechanism to address these issues and highlighted the government's record funding for veterans' system reforms. Green rejected the opposition's characterisation of the policy, asserting that the government was committed to implementing royal commission recommendations properly.

David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Shoebridge supported the amendments to remove the allied health cap, citing widespread concern from veterans about the impact on their access to physiotherapy and psychological services. Shoebridge criticised the government for introducing the cap without proper consultation and for using fraud concerns as a pretext to reduce spending on care. Shoebridge urged the government to admit the policy was wrong and to work with veterans to design a better system over the coming months.
Ross Cadell (NSW) (National Party) Nationals support

Cadell supported the amendment, arguing that the cap was driven by a desire to save $748 million rather than by health considerations. Cadell expressed frustration that the government had not simply withdrawn the policy despite hearing from veterans and stakeholders. Cadell warned that the policy had damaged trust in the government among veterans, with some advising their children against enlisting. Cadell called on the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to scrap the cap to restore faith in the system.
Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation support

Hanson supported the Coalition amendment to remove the allied health cap, arguing that veterans should not have to fight for basic care after serving the country. Hanson also moved a separate amendment to restore the 2002 definition of 'hors de combat' in war crime offences, opposing the retrospective application of the 2024 changes. Hanson claimed the retrospective change lowered the barrier for criminal proceedings against veterans for past conduct. Hanson criticised the Minister for Veterans' Affairs for his conduct during meetings with veteran delegations.
Jacqui Lambie (TAS) (Jacqui Lambie Network) JLN support

Lambie supported the removal of the allied health cap but cautioned veterans to remain calm as the policy would not commence until 1 July 2027. Lambie warned that if the amendment was removed in the House of Representatives, the crossbench would block the bill in the Senate. Lambie criticised the Coalition for their past handling of veterans' issues but affirmed her commitment to fighting the cap. Lambie assured veterans that the fight was not over and that there were further strategies to oppose the measure.
David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind support

Pocock supported the amendments, praising the Senate for holding the government to account over the lack of consultation regarding the allied health cap. Pocock argued that the government had chosen to impose bureaucratic hurdles on all veterans rather than targeting specific providers suspected of fraud. Pocock stated that the policy lacked support from both the veteran community and the broader public. Pocock thanked colleagues across the chamber for the opportunity to challenge the government's approach.

First speaker today

Michaelia Cash (WA) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Bill

Statute Update Bill 2026

Speeches

7 speeches, 5 other contributors

Topics

Law & Justice Veterans

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.