Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lambie for these amendments and I can advise that the government won't be opposing these amendments, but we do have grave concerns about the third amendment and the 90 days and Senator Lambie's rejection of clause that said, 'except in exceptional circumstances', because there are circumstances—very complex cases—where this 90 days is not required. Of course, the government always wants as many of these as possible to be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

What I would also say is that I was very privileged and very proud to have introduced this bill into this chamber on 4 July. I would like, on behalf of the government, of thank all senators who have contributed to this very important debate. The bill does create a framework which the government, business and Australian community are able to more effectively and deliberately thank veterans for their service and acknowledge what they have done all of our behalf.

I'd like to think five veterans in particular who are in this building this evening. They are five Long Tan veterans from the Vietnam War. I was deeply moved and privileged to have had the opportunity to thank each and every one of them. The first is Colonel Adrian Roberts MG OAM (Retd), who was troop commander of 3 Troop, 1 Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron. Also joining us tonight was Lieutenant Peter Dinham, who was lieutenant and platoon commander of 2 Platoon, Alpha Company 6 RAR. I also want to thank Warrant Officer Class 1, Bob Buick, platoon commander of 11 Platoon, Delta Company 6 RAR; Flight Lieutenant Dr Bob Grandin, No. 9 Squadron RAAF; and also Private Victor Simon of 12 Platoon, Delta Company 6 RAR—one of two Indigenous soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan. Here in this chamber this evening I want to thank all of them for their service and all 108 Australian Anzacs who fought in the Battle of Long Tan. On behalf of all Australians, I say to those Vietnam veterans: thank you for your service.

This is the purpose of this bill: it provides for recognition of the sacrifice and challenges borne by both the serving member and also those closest to them, particularly the families who always make service to our nation possible. All Australians share a deep appreciation of the contribution made to our nation by our ADF, those who have defended Australia and those prepared to defend us all. The Australian people quite rightly expect that the welfare of veterans and their families should be an enduring priority for the government, and this bill highlights that priority.

With the introduction of this bill, the Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant is established. I think that is a very good thing and something that is well overdue. The Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant is a mechanism by which all Australians, from every corner of our nation, can honour a very proud military history. They can recognise the service and sacrifice of all who have committed to defend the nation and pledge their commitment to support veterans and also their families.

What some members of this chamber might not quite appreciate is that this covenant is designed to establish a new exchange of trust, of recognition and also of thanks between the Australian community and current and former serving personnel. The purpose of the covenant is to give a foundation to a cultural shift that we seek. That is a shift towards acknowledging our deep respect for those who serve and their sacrifice so that the rest of us can enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today. The covenant bill is subtle but also sophisticated in the way that it encourages us all to build a new mindset around current and ex serving personnel. The bill provides all Australians with the opportunity to see serving personnel and veterans in a new light. It answers some questions that I get often: how can we recognise the service of these men and women, and how can we do that individually?

For too long, many veterans have unintentionally fallen victim to excessive paperwork and bureaucracy. Again, this bill seeks to introduce new values, a new framework and a new cultural change within those charged with administering the bureaucracy that supports our veterans. The bill calls on decision-makers to be just, to be fair and to be consistent. It encourages a culture of constant improvement in evolution in our decision-making around Defence veterans and serving personnel, as well as promoting a more empathetic decision-making process. At its heart is a respect for all of our veterans. The covenant asks these decision-makers to evolve their decision-making and to be ever mindful of their own role in the emerging story of how our nation treats our veterans.

By introducing the covenant, the government is encouraging a cultural shift in the way the community interacts with serving personnel. We encourage all Australians to step up, to step forward and to say thank you to the men and women who have given us so much and for those today who continue to give us so much. For all of those reasons, again, I thank those in this chamber who have contributed to this debate and I commend this bill to the Senate.