Veterans: Women's Health

Opened the debate

Senator Lambie argued that the proposed cap was contrary to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations and disregarded veteran health. Lambie noted that only one per cent of veterans received services exceeding $15,000 annually, questioning the necessity of the restriction. Lambie highlighted systemic issues such as delayed claim approvals, unpaid medical reports, and doctors leaving the DVA system due to low fees. Lambie urged the government to scrap the cap to prevent veteran suicides and avoid further harm to those with chronic service-related conditions.

Government response

Senator Cox clarified that the government was introducing a $5,000 threshold for clinical review rather than a hard cap, ensuring continued funding for clinically required care. Cox emphasised that the Department of Veterans' Affairs had received a $169.7 million investment in provider fees and had cleared a backlog of 42,000 claims. Cox stated that the government had implemented 32 Royal Commission recommendations and aimed to complete two-thirds by year-end. While acknowledging Senator Lambie's concerns, Cox maintained that the reforms improved system sustainability without denying essential treatment.

Opposition response

Senator Cadell argued that the cap punished 25,000 veterans for the actions of two providers who allegedly overbilled the system. Cadell contended that the government failed to take action against fraudulent providers while imposing restrictions on all veterans. Cadell cited personal accounts of veterans facing stress and uncertainty due to the policy, describing it as collective punishment. Cadell called for the restoration of unrestricted allied health access, asserting that the government was breaking its covenant with veterans.