Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senators who have contributed to today's discussion on the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment (Incapacity Payments) Bill 2022. I note that both senators observed the urgency of the passage of this bill. It's regrettable that the measures in this bill were not enacted in the last parliament. It has, as Senator Shoebridge observed, created the circumstances where people are presently not receiving payments who would otherwise be entitled to them. I do wish to highlight to the Senate that one consequence of this bill will be to backdate payments for those veterans.

Again, I acknowledge the significance of supporting our service personnel, veterans and families. I thank those people who contributed to the development of this legislation and who are participating in these activities, particularly those who contributed to this debate who have served in our defence forces. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.