Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

My electorate of Solomon has a very heavy Defence presence. As we know, there are nearly 5,000 uniformed personnel in Darwin and Palmerston, from all three bases, across Navy, Army and RAAF. I therefore take a particular interest in all matters relating to defence and veterans' affairs. I also chair the Coalition Backbench Policy Committee on Defence and Veterans Affairs. People who have heard other speeches in this area may have heard me discuss this already. I believe firmly that as a nation, if we are to send men and women—Defence Force personnel—into harm's way, then we owe it to them to make sure that we provide the best duty of care. Today I speak in support the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (2015 Budget Measures) Bill 2015 because the three very important components of this legislation will move us further in that direction.

Everyone in this place knows how the Abbott government feels about red tape and bureaucracy. The military rehabilitation and compensation measures in this bill simplify a bureaucratic process. I would like to start by putting on the record my thanks to Senator Ronaldson. In my view, he is the only minister in 50 years who has done the right thing in terms of repatriating the fallen. This has been an issue for government from both sides for a number of years, and Senator Ronaldson and the Prime Minister have come together and have been lobbied by people in my electorate, such as Bob Shewring. With this measure they have now righted a wrong.

I spoke on this last week, when speaking on the Prime Minister's motion, and I gave the story of Reg Hillier, a Territorian who will be repatriated. Unfortunately his family could not afford the 500 quid that was needed to bring him home. The family suffered enormous guilt for many years because they could not afford to bring Reg's body home. So I am pleased that, once this legislation passes, Reg will be returned home and buried in the Adelaide River War Cemetery, as requested by his family.

Let me just say one other thing. The member for Lingiari was the Minister for Veterans' Affairs in the previous government, and I know he was contacted about this issue. I am a little bit disappointed that he did not push this issue, because he could have done this.

Mr Champion interjecting—

I do not want to take your interjections, so please be quiet. When you are speaking, everyone has to listen to you. I give you the courtesy of listening to you, so please.

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