The Federal Government is facing a widespread political backlash over a planned $5000 annual limit on allied health services for veterans, with politicians across multiple parties overwhelmingly rejecting the move according to Nine. Veterans recently visited parliament to lay down their medals in protest, calling to completely scrap the financial restriction.
Veteran Card-holders and Allied Health Treatments
Under the policy, due to begin on July 1 next year, government-supported payments for allied health treatments—such as physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, podiatry, exercise physiology, dietetics, chiropractic treatment, and speech pathology—will be subject to a $5000 threshold for Veteran Card-holders psnews.com.au. The change replaces the existing 12-visit-per-provider limit, which could previously be extended by a general practitioner. Under the new system, requests for additional funding past the threshold will require approval from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Coalition, One Nation, Greens, and Independent Senators
The policy has united Coalition, One Nation, Greens, and independent Senators who voted against it in parliament. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie told veterans that the rest of the political parties were on their side, while fellow independent Senator David Pocock criticized the government for adding more paperwork. Nationals Leader Matt Canavan urged the Labor Party to remove the anxiety from the veteran community.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack
Coalition Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack has called for the government to scrap the threshold, stating that it is unfair, creates uncertainty, and risks veterans missing out on care. Shadow Defence Personnel Minister Phillip Thompson argued that healthcare decisions should rest between veterans and their treating health professionals rather than bureaucratic thresholds.
Minister for Veteran Affairs Matt Keogh
Labor has defended the measure as a review point designed to prevent unnecessary treatment rather than a strict cap on care. Minister for Veteran Affairs Matt Keogh stated that the government understands veterans’ concerns regarding department processing and assured that officials will work to ensure no gaps in service delivery occur during assessments. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has opened consultations with veterans, families, allied health providers, and ex-service organizations regarding the approval process for treatments exceeding $5000.
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