QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:04): Thank you to Senator Cash. I would, again, make the same point I made on the previous occasion that, first, you are correct, Senator Cash—veterans are entitled to be treated with care and respect. That is why the government has ensured that additional funds were available to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

When we came to government, there was a backlog of around 42,000 veterans compensation claims. That caused delays in people being able to access any care. We acknowledge that there has been concern raised about the $5,000 cap or threshold.

I'd make the point, again, to say, if there is a clinical need, that the access to allied health services above that threshold can continue. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash, second supplementary?