Statute Update Bill 2026

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory—Independent ACT Whip) (15:28): I really thank the Senate for their work on holding the executive to account. We've seen a government that announced a $5,000 cap on veterans seemingly with zero consultation of veterans themselves. We've seen a government that has said: 'There are some dodgy providers, and so we need to put a cap on all veterans who are getting $5,000 of approved spending on allied health.

Rather than going after the few dodgy providers, we're going to add yet more paperwork, yet more forms.' It's another visit to the GP. It's another thing for veterans who are desperately trying to be well and are seeking support for them to do so. We have not seen a government that is willing to listen to veterans, to listen to experts or to say: 'We got this wrong.

Sorry about that. This is ill thought through.' Instead, they're just powering on with a plan that seems to have zero support not just in the veterans community but in the broader Australian community. So this is the Senate doing its job—holding the government to account.

I really thank colleagues in the coalition, the Greens and One Nation for this opportunity.