Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senators Minchin, Bartlett and Bishop for their contributions. I acknowledge, once again, Senator Bishop’s important role in our policy development and consideration of this legislation. This legislation has been a long time coming, given the scheme it replaces has been extended twice in recent years. There is no doubt the old scheme was completely deficient; hence the willingness of the Rudd government, when in opposition, to endorse what was the previous government’s budget decision of 2007-08. We have bipartisan agreement on this legislation. We believe it important, as indeed the Rudd government believe it is important in respect of all the promises they gave, to honour our commitments. We are doing so promptly. The new scheme is an appropriately generous scheme, aimed primarily at the retention of experienced ADF personnel. It will be welcomed by those personnel and their families, and I acknowledge the contribution that Senator Minchin made to the defence families association.

There is a commitment to review after four years of operation. The government are sensitive to the fact that, as I said, promises need to be honoured. We do need to pass this legislation without further delay. The review will facilitate consideration of other matters that have been raised in the debate and were raised in the lower house. I commend the bills to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bills read a second time.