Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to welcome the passage of fairer indexation legislation through this chamber last night and to note its significance to members of the Defence Force in my electorate. Through these changes, Defence Force personnel will have their DFRB and DFRDB benefits indexed to changes in the CPI. This move puts an end to a frustrating and unwanted anomaly, but it also sends a very clear message to the broader community, and that is that the coalition's election promises will be kept. I have spoken in support of the need for fairer indexation for our veterans in the past, during the dark, dark days of the Labor government. In March 2012 I signed a formal pledge to this measure on behalf of the people of Solomon. This pledge is in my office and reminds me of the promise that I made to veterans, a promise that this government has kept. This is not just about a fair go for our servicemen; it shows that this government, unlike the last one, will not break its promises when electoral expediency comes knocking at the door. I want to place on record my thanks to our defence personnel and let them know that I fully support them, as does the coalition government.