QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:13): Thank you, Senator. Can I first acknowledge that you ask this question today, which is Vietnam Veterans' Day—60 years since the Battle of Long Tan. I was aware of the delegation because on the plane from Canberra I met—maybe I shouldn't say who she was—someone who I know has been active on this issue, and she explained the issue to me.

What I'd say is that the Prime Minister is always honoured to meet veterans. The government recognises the obligation on any government that, when Australians are prepared to serve our country in conflict, they should be looked after properly when they return. We have made a range of changes and put additional funds into Veterans' Affairs to keep faith with that commitment.

The advice I have on the access to allied health services is that veterans will continue to have access to those services above the $5,000 threshold where there is a clinical need. Our priority as a government is to ensure veterans receive high-quality care that supports their health and wellbeing, not limit their access to treatment. In relation to the Prime Minister's engagement, as I said, the Prime Minister does engage regularly with veterans groups.

I'm sure that he will continue to engage with veterans groups—not only this one but others, as he has always done. The PRESIDENT: Senator Canavan, first supplementary?