THE HON BARNABY JOYCE MP

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Federal Member for New England

 

13 February 2025

 

Coalition helps fast track Veterans Bill

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Barnaby Joyce said simplifying and harmonising veteran compensation and rehabilitation legislation will finally be done, thanks to the crucial Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 being passed by Parliament.

 

Mr Joyce said the Bill is imperative in helping veterans get the assistance they need and deserve, and addresses the first recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim Report.

 

“The Interim Report found compensation and rehabilitation legislation is so complicated that it adversely affects the mental health of some veterans, and can even be a contributing factor to suicide, which is why we need change” Mr Joyce said.

 

“I am pleased this Bill has finally passed,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“Unfortunately, the Coalition remains disappointed that the legislation will commence on 1 July 2026, which is a year later than what the Royal Commission recommended, and four years after it was recommended as an ‘urgent’ course of action.”

 

“It is a pity, however, that Labor tried to rush through an unrelated Bill to establish the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission. While we support the establishment of the Commission, the underhanded way Labor tried to pursue this was shameful. Veterans and their families deserve better.”

 

“We listened to serious concerns raised by veteran advocates including the Families of Veterans Guild, the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association and the Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women.

 

The Coalition successfully proposed an amendment in the Senate to establish an Inquiry into the functions and powers of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission. The Senate Inquiry will enable consultation to be undertaken, which the Albanese Government failed to do on the most important recommendation of the Royal Commission – a new statutory entity to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem.

 

“The Senate Inquiry is another important step to improve the lives of veterans and their families, and ensuring their needs and concerns are properly addressed. We will always fight for better support for veterans and their families”.

 

Media Contact: Kate Johnson - 0438 451 747