(Question No. 2497)
Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 21 December 2009:

(1) With reference to the review announced on 9 September 2008 to revisit the Clarke Review recommendations which were rejected by the then Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, has it reported; if not, when will this review be completed.

The Australian Greens this week ensured financial security for the most vulnerable of veterans' partners in the event of a relationship breakdown.

"The Greens have succeeded in ensuring common sense amendments to the partner pensions legislation that will protect a very vulnerable group of people who have already suffered a lot and who stood to face further suffering by elements of this Bill," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Further 2008 Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2008 is an omnibus bill that deals with three very different but important issues for families. Schedule 1 introduces changes to the maternity immunisation allowance, which will see payments to families split into two parts. Each payment will now be timed to coincide with the due date of the immunisation. This measure also extends eligibility to families who have adopted children from overseas.

The Australian Greens today announced support for improving benefits for veterans.

"We have obligations and a duty of care to Australian veterans,"

Greens Senator Bob Brown said.

"Veterans deserve adequate income support but under the Coalition they had been left behind because of the way government indexes some pensions.

"The Greens are committed to lifting income support payments for veterans unable to work or to find work, so that they are at least as good as the aged pension."