Peter Slipper (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have another 10 minutes, but knowing that the member for Blaxland is anxious to make his contribution I certainly will not be detaining the House for that long. It is often easy to criticise delays. My own past experience in the parliament has indicated that it is quite a long and time-consuming process for a bill to be talked about, as to what ought to be included, then for it to go to the drafters and then for it to go through all the necessary processes. I am not going to defend the delay. I do think it is unfortunate. But we have no option other than to extend the life of the existing scheme while the review is taking place. I know that review will also consider what we need to do to make sure that people stay in or join and then stay in the defence forces. So it is better that the review is not hurried. The review ought to be able to take its course. However, in the meantime it is important to recognise through the defence home loans scheme the service of those people to whom this country owes so much. I am pleased to be able to commend this bill to the House.

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