Chapter 2Additional Comments from Coalition Senators

2.1The Coalition supports the intent of this bill in its aims to establish a clear legal framework for means-testing income from military invalidity payments affected by the Douglas decision.

2.2The Coalition accepts that it is indeed reasonable for amendments to be made to the current legislation to ensure that the relevant invalidity payments can be means-tested for income support in a manner consistent with the pre-Douglas arrangements.

2.3The Coalition does however note concerns from stakeholders seeking clarification on whether the amendments in the Bill would exclude military invalidity pension income streams from asset assessments in family law matters.

2.4Submissions also called for further clarification on how the Bill would affect eligibility for Family Tax Benefits, Childcare Subsidies or Low-Income HealthCare.

2.5The Coalition agrees the bill’s impact on the broader cohort of veterans will be minimal, with the expectation that less than five of 850 individuals will be directly affected, however, the Department of Social Services should closely monitor the scheme and communicate clearly with impacted individuals to mitigate any risk to the concerns raised by stakeholders.

2.6The Coalition recommends this bill be passed.

Senator Hollie HughesSenator Maria Kovacic