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

I thank Senator Hanson for her question. I think it's invidious to try and distinguish between one health condition and one personal health circumstance over another. In no way does Defence's engagement in relation to gender dysphoria diminish or lessen Defence's commitment—and, for that matter, the Department of Veterans' Affairs' commitment—to the strongest possible support for returned servicemen and servicewomen and those who continue to serve those who are veterans.

I will also address the focus of Senator Hanson's question in relation to funding. Senator Hanson referred to it being just over $1 million. Let me put that in context. The 2015-16 total expenditure on ADF health was $430 million, as published on page 21 of the Defence annual report 2015-16, volume 2.