Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

With the greatest respect, the last time Senator Farrell was in regional South Australia he turned left instead of right! I can tell you now that someone who actually does live in regional Australia fully understands what their needs are. But what Senator Farrell has got to understand is that access to these shopfronts is down 28 per cent since 2009. What I have clearly done is say to the department, 'Have a look and see whether these shopfronts are being properly accessed, see whether these shopfronts are being properly utilised and see whether the veterans themselves want some other access to this department.'

That is what we are doing and that is what we will continue to do. If you, Senator Farrell, and the Australian Labor Party want to deny those new veterans the opportunity to have access via the internet, the telephone and other means, then that is entirely your business. What I as minister am saying to you is that I want to make sure that this department is moving with our clients and making sure that we are delivering those services appropriately. (Time expired)