Veterans Aren't Sales Leads: RSL Takes Fight Against Predatory Providers to the Senate

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has told a Senate inquiry that veterans are carrying the burden for predatory providers, calling for national laws with real enforcement and better use of the consultation forums already in place.

Appearing before the Senate inquiry into Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) funded health treatment on Thursday 15 October, RSL National President, Peter Tinley AM said the now withdrawn $5,000 allied health threshold caused widespread distress while missing its real target.

"Veterans didn't create this problem. Rogue providers did by taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of veterans in need," Mr Tinley said.

"DVA told Senate Estimates it could identify the overservicing providers from its own data. So go after them."

The threshold was announced in the 2026–27 Budget to save $748 million. It would have affected around 25 per cent of the 100,000 veterans who regularly use allied health services. It was withdrawn in September after fierce opposition from the veteran community, including the joint campaigning from the RSL and nine other national veteran service organisations.

A recent television investigation reported a network of more than 70 related companies that collected veterans' DVA details through giveaways, then cold-called them to sign up for DVA-funded services. It reported a database of 180,000 veterans' details, and Queensland DVA social work payments topping $1 million a month at points in 2024 and 2025.

Mr Tinley told the Committee of a private provider at an expo held at a DVA-funded veterans' hub that billed DVA for a conversation at its booth and an exercise physiology consultation.

"Veterans aren't sales leads. These operators are targeting the vulnerable. And in some cases, DVA's own settings are enabling them," Mr Tinley said.

On Wednesday, federal police executed search warrants in an investigation into alleged fraud involving veterans' medical reports. Last financial year, DVA received a record 1,488 fraud and integrity tip-offs and referred six matters to police.

Through a network of nearly 1,100 sub-branches across the country, the RSL has long raised concerns about exploitative providers with Government. The RSL is calling for national laws that cap fees, ban commissions and other harmful commercial practices, stop veterans' personal data being sold or used for marketing, and end phoenixing practices, where operators close down and reopen under a new name. Penalties should apply to companies and individuals alike, escalate for repeat offences, and come with real powers to investigate and prosecute.

"We need laws with teeth, and the powers to enforce them. There's enough evidence now. Let’s act quickly and decisively," Mr Tinley said.

DVA has already set up structures for genuine consultation with the veteran community. Its National Consultation Framework brings national ex-service organisations to the table, and dedicated forums connect DVA with younger veterans, women veterans and families.

The RSL says the Government should make these forums, and the lived experience of the veterans and families they bring together, the first port of call when developing policy, well before it is announced.

"Talk to us about the problem before it becomes a policy. Bring in veterans and families with lived experience early. Get the policy right before it's announced, not after," Mr Tinley said.

The RSL's submission, endorsed by 10 national veteran service organisations, asks the Committee to recommend DVA codesign its engagement strategy with veterans, families and veteran organisations, and target compliance at providers, not veterans.

"Work with us. Together, we can get this right for veterans and their families," Mr Tinley said.

Veterans concerned they have been overcharged or misled can contact their local RSL Sub-Branch for free advice from the RSL's network of around 600 trained, accredited advocates.

Read the full submission to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee inquiry into Department of Veterans’ Affairs funded health treatment.