Around The Table, Not Through A Megaphone: Veteran Sector Secures Removal Of Allied Health Threshold

MEDIA RELEASE

Ten national veteran service organisations welcome the Government's decision to take the proposed $5,000 allied health threshold off the table.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL), together with nine national veteran service organisations, has welcomed the Minister for Veterans' Affairs' announcement that the proposed $5,000 annual threshold for allied health services will not proceed.

RSL Australia brought together nine other national veteran service organisations to advocate for this outcome, and has been working with the Minister and the Department of Veterans' Affairs since Budget night in May to address the concerns of the veteran community.

"This is the right outcome for veterans and their families. The threshold is off the table, and that is exactly what we have been asking for since Budget night," RSL Australia National President, Hon Peter Tinley AM, said.

"We brought ten organisations together and put our collective position forward, respectfully and persistently. We did it around the table, not through a megaphone," Mr Tinley said.

RSL Australia, Legacy Australia, TPI Federation of Australia, Australian Commando Association, Women Veterans Australia, Defence Force Welfare Association, Defence Reserves Association, Australian Special Air Service Association, Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans' Association, and Soldier On Australia wrote jointly to Minister Keogh in August setting out the sector's position.

Representatives from the ten organisations then contributed to consultation sessions around the country, bringing the questions and concerns of the veteran communities they represent directly to the Minister and the Department.

"Credit where it is due. The Minister listened, and he acted. That is not always how these things go, and the veteran community should know it," Mr Tinley said.

Legacy Australia Chair, Dr Mark Lax OAM CSM, said the decision mattered enormously to the families they support.

"Families of veterans and war widows hold Veteran Cards too, and many of them are managing complex care. This decision lifts a real worry from them, and we thank the Minister for hearing it," Dr Lax said.

Defence Force Welfare Association National President, Del Gaudry CSC, said the outcome showed the value of sustained, evidence-based advocacy.

"Veterans and their families were facing real uncertainty about their care, and that is why we kept turning up. This is what happens when the sector works together and a Government is prepared to listen," Ms Gaudry said.

"We said from the start that clinical need, not a dollar figure, is the right measure of care. The Government has now accepted that," Mr Tinley said.

Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans' Association CEO, Rod Henderson, said this could have been avoided had the Minister consulted with the veteran community prior.

“We have a series of National Consultative committees which should be used in the first instance to get these policies in the best position prior to announcement," Mr Henderson said.

The investment stays

The Government's $169.7 million investment in allied health provider fees will still commence on 1 July 2027. It is the largest investment in veteran allied health provider fees in more than two decades and partially responds to Recommendation 71 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

"The fee increase was good policy and we backed it from day one. More providers willing to see veterans means better access to care, and that has never been in dispute," Mr Tinley said.

With the threshold withdrawn, the 12-session treatment cycle will remain in place.

Now for the real problem

RSL Australia said the sector stood ready to work with the Government and the Department on an approach that targets overservicing providers directly.

"There are providers exploiting veterans for profit. That problem is real and it has not gone away. We have always said deal with it at the provider end, and we meant it," Mr Tinley said.

"We are ready to sit down and co-design an approach that goes after those providers directly, and stops them exploiting veterans, families of veterans and the care they need. That offer is still on the table," Mr Tinley said.

RSL Australia thanked the veterans and families who shared their experiences through the consultation process.

"To every veteran and family member who told us what this meant for them, thank you. We took your words straight into the room, and they made the difference," Mr Tinley said.