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Veterans honoured through defence covenant

The contribution of veterans will be officially recognised through an Australian Defence Force Covenant.

Underpinning laws cleared parliament on Tuesday, after the government committed to decide on all veterans' compensation claims within 90 days, as demanded by crossbench senator Jacqui Lambie.

"Our government remains absolutely committed to acknowledging the service and sacrifice of the men and women who defend this nation," Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester said.

Despite supporting Senator Lambie's amendment, Mr Chester said the focus on claim resolutions should be based on individual need rather than strict time frames.

The laws will also allow veterans and their families to get lapel pins, cards and other artefacts to recognise service in the nation's armed forces.

Labor MP Luke Gosling, who is a veteran, welcomed the move to increase recognition of Australians who have served.

Although the opposition didn't try to change the legislation, Mr Gosling said it was a shame the scheme doesn't cover those currently serving.

The new veteran cards redesign the existing DVA health cards and will be sent out over the next few months.

Mr Chester urged businesses who wanted to offer veterans benefits through the cards to contact his department.

Veterans can apply for a copy of the covenant as well as the lapel pin through the government's MyService website.

During debate on the bill, Senator Lambie said the move was "embarrassing, shameful and pure symbolism".

The Tasmanian senator - who spent more than a decade in the army before engaging in a long-running battle with Veterans' Affairs - also hinted she was likely to back calls for a royal commission into the department.