Mr MUTCH (4:06 PM) —It is with great pleasure that I rise to support the Veterans' Entitlements Amendment (Gold Card) Bill 1998 . In my local Miranda RSL sub-branch journal, the welfare officer, Ed Knight, entitled his column `Card good as gold' when he reported my announcement to them about this government's initiative. This initiative has been very well received by the veteran community, and it is about time. It demonstrates the commitment that the Howard administration has to our older Australians, particularly our veterans, and to those who have put their life on the line for the service of our country.

These men endured the torrid conditions that World War II veterans experienced in pursuit of our country's freedom, and the veterans who qualify for this gold card experienced the constant threat of death, the constant threat of not coming home to their wives and children, the constant threat of suffering injuries that might incapacitate them for the rest of their lives. This legislation recognises the tremendous sacrifice that our heroes made risking their lives to ensure freedom for generations to come.

It has been estimated that 50,000 Australians will benefit from this new government initiative. I am pleased say that some 439 veterans in my own electorate of Cook will benefit from this initiative. This is good news for our community, which has benefited more than most electorates, and represents considerable comfort for this special part of our older community in Cook. Along with the staying at home package recently announced, older Australians can feel secure that this government will look after them.

The major qualifying test for this entitlement is that the veteran has incurred danger from hostile forces of the enemy. Most World War II veterans have this qualifying service as a result of their service outside Australia during the period of hostilities from 3 September 1939 to 29 October 1945. Certain service within Australia while in danger from hostile forces of the enemy is also classified as qualifying service.

Those who meet the test need to be 70 years old. Even if you enlisted in, say, 1945, 53 years ago, you are going to be eligible for these benefits, unless you enlisted at a very young age—that is, at 16 or younger. Thus virtually all who meet the requirements will be eligible. Indeed, the average age of eligible veterans is 76.5 years of age.

There are some particular benefits that this scheme provides that I would like to mention. First, eligible veterans will be able to access free comprehensive private health cover. This is first-class treatment from 1 January 1999. Those who have private health insurance may choose to relinquish this at a saving of perhaps thousands per year. This is money that these people did not have before the introduction of this legislation. This top of the range health cover includes choice of doctor, pharmaceuticals at a concessional rate, optical care, physiotherapy, dental care, podiatry and chiropractic services. These services cost a lot of money for veterans, and the significance of this benefit to eligible veterans cannot be underestimated. The generosity of this package is very satisfying and most appropriate.

The gold card even entitles eligible veterans to transport to and from their treatment for all conditions. Indeed, my uncle, Alf Crameri, who already qualified, was a veteran of World War II and served on Lancasters over Europe. He used to regularly come by necessity to Gosford to visit his doctor in Macquarie Street. As a member of state parliament then, I would always take him, and his friend who served with him, to lunch after his appointment. I must say that I thought it was wonderful to be able to take those gentlemen to lunch. I think it is one of the small things we can do to show our appreciation for what they did for us during that terrible time. This transport entitlement is very important. I understand that very much from the experience of my uncle. The transport entitlement is well received.

I would like to mention the fact that all World War II ex-servicewomen are already provided for with full medical treatment entitlements. The reason for this is that a government inquiry found some serious disadvantages suffered by women during World War II. This inquiry found that women were paid less than men throughout the war and that they had not been eligible for the same level of repatriation assistance after the war. This move sought to compensate World War II women for those discrepancies.

So as to provide an efficient service and answer any queries about the new entitlements, the government has set up a gold card hotline whereby interested parties may obtain information as to their entitlements. What is significant about this scheme is that it recognises all those veterans with qualifying service, regardless of income or assets. It also covers treatment for health conditions which are unrelated to the war.

To all those brave men and women who will benefit from this proposal, it is a fitting reward for your service to this great nation and for your service to ensuring that this great nation remains free. It is our freedom that you protected, and this bill says thank you.