Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

These are technical matters but I still think we need to throw a little more light on that process. As a layperson I can understand that someone, particularly a partner in that circumstance, may read this and understand that that is the way you continue your partnering payment. But I find it very difficult to understand how you would make an assessment of a veteran’s mental health when the spouse is making the application without some compliance from the veteran. I am not trying to be mischievous and I hope I have not misunderstood you. I can understand where a partner may fill out the form independently, but at some stage an assessment has to be made of the veteran himself or herself to establish whether or not they meet that criterion. I would have thought that would have to come with the compliance of the veteran themselves.