QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (15:01): First, I again go back to what I have said, I think, on multiple occasions this week—that those who have the courage to serve our country deserve our respect and our care when they return. All governments should ensure that veterans are treated with respect and with care.

The country should ensure that. That is why this government has invested more in veterans affairs than any previous government, including to deal with the backlog, which was causing pain and concern. Senator, I acknowledge the concerns which have been raised publicly by veterans groups and others, and I would say to you that Minister Keogh has acknowledged—I think I read this out yesterday—that he did the wrong thing in not taking the meeting initially, he has subsequently engaged with veterans and he will continue to talk with the veterans community and, indeed, will do so more.

That is as it should be because consulting with veterans about changes which are made is something that we take seriously. I know the Prime Minister has the greatest respect for the veterans community and engages with the veterans community regularly, and we will continue to seek to treat veterans with the respect and care they are entitled to. The PRESIDENT: Senator McGrath, first supplementary?