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

I thank Senator Anning for his question. The Australian government has been working with the ex-service community for some time now with a view to developing an Australian veterans covenant. The proposed covenant aims to recognise the unique nature of military service as well as the role of governments, business and the Australian community in recognising, respecting and valuing the service and sacrifice of our men and women of the Australian Defence Force. This is a very important issue, and it's one which the coalition government believes we must get right not only for veterans and their families but also for the wider Australian community. Our aim is for a covenant to be an enduring legacy embraced by the wider community and by future generations of Australians. We will conclude this significant work in a deliberate, considered and consultative way. There has been a working group from the veteran community, established earlier this year within the existing national consultation structure, which will prepare and endorse the Australian veterans covenant in this final year of the centenary of Anzac.