Clarity From Government needed On Allied Health Cap For Veterans
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is actively engaging with the Government and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) for more information on the $5,000 annual cap on allied health services announced in the 2026–27 Budget, to make sure that no veteran is left behind.
RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley AM, is seeking assurances on the concerns raised by veterans and their families following Tuesday's Budget announcement.
"We hear you, and we are working on your behalf," Mr Tinley said. "Our priority right now is understanding from the Government and DVA how the cap will work in practice, so that every veteran gets the care they need.”
The Government has confirmed that DVA will fund allied health services above the $5,000 cap where there is a valid clinical need. However, there are no details yet of:
how the process will work
definitions of ‘valid clinical needs’
how veterans will apply for their claims to be considered
how DVA will assess their claims.
Beyond the allied health cap, the Budget left unanswered RSL Australia’s call for a broader review of the DVA fee schedules for GPs and specialists.
“While the Government has recognised the DVA schedule has fallen behind real increases in fees charged by health professionals, it has only focused on the gap for allied health services,” said Mr Tinley.
“This is a step in the right direction; however they’ve fallen short by not including GPs and specialists.”
RSL Australia said it will continue to press Government on this, as the pre-budget submission was clearly outlined that allied health is only part of the picture.
With 150,000 members and 1100 sub-Branches across the country, RSL Australia will continue engaging Government, the Opposition and the broader Defence and veteran community to ensure the Budget measures deliver real outcomes for veterans and their families.
RSL Australia will provide updates as further details come to hand.