Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian community has a clear expectation that defence personnel and veterans and their families are well looked after. This is an important task and responsibility of government, and a solemn commitment.

In summing up the debate on this Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) Bill 2022, I would like to thank the opposition and all of the others in this place for their support of it. This legislation demonstrates the Albanese Labor government's commitment to delivering a better future for our veterans and their families. It addresses the adequacy of support for totally and permanently incapacitated veterans—often referred to as TPI veterans and their families—and provides them greater financial support, to ultimately deliver a better future for them.

In April, the federal Labor team announced that the Labor government, if elected, would act on the recommendation of the Senate inquiry to increase the TPI payment by $1,000 a year. This bill today implements Labor's commitment by increasing the special rate of disability compensation payments for veterans. We're very glad that today we are receiving the support of senators to ensure that the TPI veterans are better off. This $1,000 a year increase to the special rate of disability pension, an increase of $38.46 per fortnight, is to ensure veterans and their families are better supported financially, helping them keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

It forms part of the recent federal budget, which is delivering on the Albanese Labor government's commitment to deliver responsible cost-of-living relief. The increase to the TPI payment means it will be comparable to the national minimum wage and, crucially, greater than the after-tax national minimum wage a wage earner would receive.

This initiative recognises the importance of supporting veterans who have been severely impacted by their experiences in the Australian Defence Force. The bill will achieve this by amending the Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986 to increase the rate of pension payable to TPI veterans. This government is committed to implementing practical support measures to better support defence personnel, veterans and their families. We are committed to ensuring that they get the support that they not only need but, more particularly, deserve. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.