Defence Service Homes Amendment (Insurance) Bill 2025

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Cities) (20:22): This bill will formalise longstanding Commonwealth practice, by providing an express legislative authority for the Commonwealth to continue to provide general insurance or act as an authorised representative of a third-party insurer. This means that the Department of Veterans' Affairs can continue to provide general insurance products for Australian Defence Force members, eligible veterans and their families.

The bill will retrospectively validate past activities undertaken by the Defence Services Homes Insurance Scheme as an authorised representative of a third-party insurer and also authorise the scheme to continue to carry out such activities in relation to more than 32,000 current policyholders, including granting it the authority to renew policies. The Albanese Labor government is committed to supporting veterans and their families, and Defence Service Homes insurance is just one of those supports currently available.

I would like to thank all senators for their contribution to the debate on the Defence Service Homes Amendment (Insurance) Bill 2025, and for their acknowledgement of the important role defence families play in supporting our defence personnel. I note the question raised by Senator Shoebridge in his remarks. I do not have that answer with me at this time.

I represent the minister, rather than being the primary minister myself. I will endeavour to seek that information and provide it to you on another occasion. Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.