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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox with Mackay RSL Sub-Branch President Ken Higgins OAM. Supplied
The wounds, trauma, and broken bodies earned in service to Australia do not come with an expiry date, but now come with a budget cap.
The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has condemned the Albanese Labor Government’s Budget decision to impose a strict $5,000 annual cap on Department of Veterans’ Affairs allied health services from July 2027, calling it a betrayal of veterans.
The cap combines physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, podiatry, and exercise physiology, and is expected to claw back $748 million over three years and $340 million annually ongoing.
Mr Willcox said treating veteran health like a spreadsheet line item breaks Australia’s contract with its veterans.
“Our service personnel gave years of their lives, putting their bodies and minds on the line to defend our country, and in return, we promised to look after them,” Mr Willcox said.
“Now, when they need our support the most, Labor is telling them to ration their care or pay the price.”
He said more than 100 departmental staff cuts will worsen already severe DVA backlogs, with some veterans facing triple average wait times.
He added that the $5,000 cap will be quickly exhausted for veterans with complex injuries, forcing them to choose between treatments, especially in regional areas facing higher costs. The cuts also include $3 million from the Invictus Games and reduced funding for memorial preservation.
Mackay RSL Sub-Branch President Ken Higgins OAM criticised the decision, warning allied health is essential for preventing deterioration and veteran suicide.
"The physical and mental welfare of our veteran community, both active and retired, is a fundamental obligation of government," Mr Higgins said.
"Allied health isn't a luxury, it is about stopping injuries and mental health issues from getting worse.”
He said funding cuts were deeply disappointing and morale among serving personnel was declining due to perceived lack of national priority, with memorial funding reductions reinforcing that sentiment.
Mr Willcox said Coalition will oppose the measure and warned vague “clinical need” exemptions add red tape, contradicting Royal Commission commitments to reduce barriers. He concluded that veterans’ sacrifice cannot be capped, and care should not be limited.
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