Senator TROETH (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) (1:38 PM) —The Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2002 is further evidence of this government's continued commitment to improving the delivery of the compensation and assistance available to veterans and their dependants through the repatriation system. It removes certain anomalies which have disadvantaged a number of veterans and it will improve the delivery of benefits provided under the Veterans' Entitlements Act. It also includes amendments to that act to reflect legislative changes to the social security system that will ensure that both systems continue to operate consistently and fairly.

During our seven years in office this government has demonstrated our commitment to veterans and their families, with improvements to the repatriation system to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of those who have given so much to the nation. No group is more deserving of our admiration and gratitude than those men and women who have served Australia in times of war and conflict, and I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.