QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:14): Well, I think they have been ventilated here and also in the public statements. Obviously, of particular concern was what was regarded as a $5,000 limit, which, as I understand—and I think I've indicated to this chamber—is a $5,000 threshold, and additional— An opposition senator interjecting— Senator WONG: Well, because additional support can be provided and would be provided if there were a clinical need—and I think they've indicated that to you.

I note also that there have been conversations, including publicly, about the approach that the Department of Veterans' Affairs takes. We do take those seriously. I would note, as I did previously, that there were thousands of Australian veterans who—there were 42,000 veteran compensation claims when you were in government that you sat on and did not process.

I don't recall you, Senator Sharma, at any point saying anything about that. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Sharma, second supplementary?