Veterans have been given a life-changing and in many cases life-saving win after the Coalition forced Labor to ‘scrap the cap’ on allied health services.
Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said today’s decision belonged to the veterans who stood up and made their voices heard.
“This is a victory for veterans, their families and everyone who stood alongside them and refused to give up,” Mr Taylor said.
“Our veterans have served our country and sacrificed for our way of life. They should never have had to fight their own government for the health care they need.”
Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said Labor’s $5,000 cap on allied health care for veterans never should have seen the light of day.
“I want to thank the veterans of Australia who have fought so hard on this crucial issue,” Senator Canavan said.
“Our veterans are Australia’s heroes. They are the reason we can enjoy our freedom, our way of life, and the democracy we take for granted. This is their win that they deserve.”
Fair Care for Veterans spokesman John Armfield, a former Navy clearance diver, said 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,” Mr Armfield said.
“Today the Minister agreed, and we thank him for it. Nobody had to lose for this to happen. The Minister made the right call, and he deserves credit for it.
“The Minister says he wants to keep talking to veterans and providers. We welcome that, and we’ll be there. We’ll also make sure whatever comes next doesn’t bring the cap back under another name.
“We thank the Coalition for standing by our side in this fight, along with independent Senators. We could not have done this without their moral clarity.”
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack said the Coalition’s win to scrap the cap was a well-deserved reprieve for veterans.
“While this is a win for our veterans, nothing can compare to the sacrifice and the gift they have given to us – our freedom,” Mr McCormack said.
“Over the last two weeks, I have spoken to hundreds of veterans in every State and Territory in Australia. Not one of them thought this cap was a good idea.
“Labor added insult to injury by claiming that the consultation process on the cap would take place after the decision had already been made. That isn’t genuine consultation, it is a slap in the face to those who have given so much.”
Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel Phillip Thompson said veterans should be able to access the care they need without unnecessary uncertainty.
“As a veteran, I know the injuries people carry home from service do not fit neatly into a government spreadsheet,” Mr Thompson said.
“Veterans put their health, their families and sometimes their lives on the line for this country. When they need treatment as a result of that service, Australia has a responsibility to be there for them.”
