Labor Dumps Controversial $5,000 Cap on Veterans’ Allied Health Care

The Albanese Labor government has dumped a controversial cap on taxpayer support for allied health visits for veterans.

After weeks of pushback from the veteran community, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keough revealed on Sept. 17 that the threshold would be removed.

“We will engage with the veteran and provider community on how we can continue to deliver on the objective of achieving better veteran wellbeing outcomes while ensuring integrity of the system,” he said.

The government’s plan, aimed at cutting costs in the federal budget, meant veterans would need to get a GP’s referral after spending $5,000 on allied healthcare needs.

Previously, veterans had to visit their GP for a new referral after every 12 allied health appointments.

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Veterans Had Been Lobbying For Months

Fair Care for Veterans spokesman John Armfield, a former Navy clearance diver, welcomed the change in an email sent to The Epoch Times.

“This is what happens when a government listens to veterans. Veterans, families and doctors came from all over the country to say one thing: this cap would only ever hurt the most badly injured. Today the minister agreed, and we thank him for it,” Armfield said in a statement.

“We’ll also make sure whatever comes next doesn’t bring the cap back under another name.”

‘This Has Taken Too Long’: Opposition

However, Liberal Leader Angus Taylor accused the government of being too slow to act.

““This is a government that is not committed to our veterans, and we’ve seen outrage from veterans across the country, and rightly so,” during a press conference at Parliament House on Sept. 17.

Taylor said veterans had been treated poorly by the minister, pointing to handling of the Invictus Games and recognition of Cameron Baird’s parents.

“It should never have happened…and frankly, it’s time for this minister to go,” Taylor said.

Meanwhile, Senator Jacqui Lambie said veterans should be “proud.”