Veterans

Reid expressed gratitude to veterans and highlighted government support measures, including the Building Excellence in Support and Training funding program. Reid noted that the government had raised the TPI pension and multiplied the GP veteran access payment by three to improve primary care access. Reid pointed to the establishment of Veterans' and Families' Hubs, including one in the electorate of Dobell, as evidence of improved local support for the veteran community.

Webster argued that the $5,000 cap effectively rationed care for veterans with complex needs, forcing them to choose between psychological and physical treatments. Webster noted that increased provider fees would mean the cap covered fewer sessions, potentially limiting access to less than one session per fortnight. Webster criticised the lack of clarity regarding the approval process for treatment beyond the cap and stated that ten national veterans service organisations did not support the policy.

Phillips highlighted that the government planned to allocate $5.7 billion in 2026-27 to assist veterans and provide $169.7 million to raise allied health provider fees. Phillips explained that the changes would eliminate the existing 12-session treatment cycle, enabling veterans to access more sessions without further referrals. Phillips encouraged veterans to take part in consultation sessions to help shape the new support system and noted funding for local community organisations and memorial projects.

Wallace presented cases of veterans with complex conditions who would face significant barriers under the proposed cap, including repeated bureaucratic approvals for ongoing treatment. Wallace argued that veterans with both physical and psychological injuries would be forced to prioritise certain treatments over others, disrupting integrated care. Wallace questioned why the government was imposing financial limits on clinically necessary treatment that helped veterans stay well and prevented higher healthcare costs later.

Burnell stated that the government's priority had been to address the backlog of claims by increasing the workforce at the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Burnell highlighted the success of the Veterans and Family Wellbeing Hub in his electorate, which was designed in consultation with the community. Burnell invited stakeholders to provide feedback through the DVA consultation hub to help shape a better support system for veterans.

Penfold argued that the cap treated veterans without dignity and respect, potentially interrupting critical continuity of care for mental health and physical rehabilitation. Penfold cited concerns from veterans that the exemption process would add bureaucracy and delay necessary treatment, worsening symptoms and increasing anxiety. Penfold called for the government to scrap the threshold and fix provider payment issues to ensure veterans had genuine choice over their care.

Lawrence noted that the government had implemented 32 Royal Commission recommendations and committed over $770 million to support these reforms. Lawrence argued that the previous government had left a significant claims backlog and failed to drive cultural reform within Veterans' Affairs. Lawrence emphasised that the current government was actively working to improve treatment pathways and mental health interventions, inviting veterans to engage in the consultation process.