Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I am advised that the government response to the Processes to support victims of abuse in Defence report was tabled in the Senate on 16 June 2015. Parts of this report related to issues such as expanding eligibility for non-liability health care, as the senator has referred to. In the 2016-17 budget, the government did provide additional funding of $37.9 million to extend that eligibility for non-liability health care for certain mental health conditions to all past and present permanent members of the ADF, regardless of the period or nature of their service. They are important changes.

In relation to the evidentiary difficulties faced by DVA claimants who claim that they have a condition stemming from the abuse they experienced while in Defence service, I am advised that urgent action is being undertaken by DVA to address those evidentiary difficulties in line with its response to the royal commission.

Further, in relation to provision of financial support to organisations assisting victims of abuse, the government are examining those options as we speak. (Time expired)