Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

The motion moved by Senator Rice would greatly expand the access of the disability support pension to individuals who do not have a condition that has been fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised and that is likely to persist for two years. If the motion were successful, the DSP, paid at one of the highest rates in the social security system, would become available for those with short-term conditions. The DSP is intended for individuals with permanent physical, intellectual and/or psychiatric impairments that prevent them from working. Prior to receiving a lifelong pension, an individual must be fully diagnosed, treated and stabilised. This ensures that the granting of payment reflects their circumstances and a long-term inability to work. As this motion significantly changes the eligibility criteria that underpin the foundations of the DSP, the coalition will not be supporting this motion.