Debate resumed from 24 September, on motion by Mr Griffin:

That this bill be now read a second time.

upon which Mrs Markus moved by way of amendment:

That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words: “while not declining to give the bill a second reading  the House:

(1)

notes the Coalition’s support for the provisions concerning the maternity immunisation allowance and child support;

(2)

notes the Coalition’s agreement to setting at 50 years of age eligibility for partner service pension for the partners of veterans who are in receipt of the equivalent of or less than the special rate but above the general rate disability, or who have at least 80 impairment points;

(3)

condemns the Government’s stubborn determination to insist that from 1 January 2009 partners who are separated but not divorced from their veteran spouse and who have not reached the age for the age pension, will have their partner service pension eligibility cease 12 months after being separated or immediately if the veteran enters a marriage-like relationship”.

See this item in context