Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to the question I received from the member for Macarthur, I can advise him and the House that there has been no cut to the funding for transport services for eligible veterans, war widows and their dependants. During 2011, the Department of Veterans' Affairs conducted an open tender process for booked car arrangements when travelling for approved medical treatment. Over 250 preferred tenderers were selected and these were announced during February. The number of contracted taxi and hire car providers has, in fact, been increased. I would invite the member for Macarthur to contact the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, who will arrange for the specific matter he raised to be investigated.