Bruce Billson (Dunkley, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

We have another example here where, with a very clear, measured, principled answer to a question, the opposition wants to rumble it together and run off and make it something it is not. The basis of these indexation methodologies is sound, it is principled and it is understood by the veterans community. But, above all, when we are taking $11 billion from other taxpayers to make special payments and special provisions for those for whom we have a special duty then we need to be clear on why we are taking that money, the basis on which it is being made available and why the veterans community is entirely justified in having these special provisions available for them.

I have explained the indexation methodologies. A number of people have explained them to the member for Bruce but, as he said at the Queensland RSL, he is not quite sure what is going on here because wiser minds than his have put forward this proposal. Perhaps he should come to terms with the foundation principles that have seen our system evolve over many generations to be world class and admired by many. Those who are not in the veteran community wish they were, because it is so admired. The benefits that are provided are principled, entirely justified and can be explained soundly and with a measure of integrity to those who are providing the money. That is what the Labor Party should address, rather than just putting its dodgy Labor sticker on whatever email comes through.

See this speech in context