INQUIRY NEEDED FOR MILITARY COMPENSATION CHANGES
March 29, 2013
A short Senate inquiry will investigate proposed military compensation changes before a Parliamentary vote is taken ahead of the September election.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Coalition pushed for the inquiry into the changes, which were part of a review of military compensation arrangements completed in early 2011.
A government response to the review was handed down with the 2012-13 Budget.
Mr Chester said the Coalition supported the response and wanted to ensure that the veteran and ex-service community was satisfied with the changes proposed in this legislation before proceeding further.
“The current system has been found to be operating generally well but there is a need to make a minor amendment,” Mr Chester said.
“The Coalition has always been committed to thorough consultation with the veteran and ex-service community regarding military compensation.
“The inquiry will be conducted next month and the report will be required to be tabled on Budget Day.
“This removes any delay in the passage of this legislation so long as the inquiry finds no issue with what is being proposed.”
Mr Chester said the Coalition encourages the veteran and ex-service community to actively participate in the inquiry which will report to the Senate on May 14, 2013.
Organisations or individuals seeking further information about the proposed inquiry should contact the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade on (02) 6277 3535.