STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr LITTLEPROUD (Maranoa) (13:45): Five thousand dollars is what this government effectively considers is the worth of our veterans in its callous changes to the allied health caps being put on our veterans. The servicemen and women of this nation that signed a contract with this nation to put their lives on for this nation are being disrespected by the Albanese government in saying that once they have hit that cap, they must reapply.

That takes time and that puts lives at risk. I would have thought every Australian would have said to this minister, despite the fact that he does not want to be there, he does not want to talk to these veterans, 'We honour that contract.' That compact that we have with Australian veterans is one of the most sacred things this parliament, this nation, could ever give to anybody that's prepared to put a uniform on for this nation.

But this minister has form. He took less than $6,000 away from Cameron Baird VC's family to run around and tell the Australian youth of this nation how much it is to serve our nation, to give back to this nation, not to take from this nation but to do something for this nation. This minister is not interested in this.

But let me say this to every Australian: we get to put our heads on a pillow tonight in the security and comfort of living in Australia because of the brave men and women of this nation who are prepared to put a uniform on and defend our freedoms and give freedoms to those people around the world who don't get to enjoy what we do.