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.
The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP 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 Batt said.
Today, the Labor Government scrapped its proposed $5,000 cap on veteran’s allied healthcare.
“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.”
Mr Batt has been vocal and steadfast in his opposition to the arbitrary cap since the shambolic Labor budget was handed down in May.
“The scrapping of the cap on allied health support is a major win for the Veterans of Hinkler,” Mr Batt said.
“They didn’t put a cap on their service so we should never put a cap on their allied health support.
I sincerely thank the Veterans who have met with me on many occasions across Hinkler and in Canberra. They’ve shared their stories and their grave concerns for the cap.”
“I can’t believe it’s taken this long for Labor to listen and act. The Prime Minister now needs to sack the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Matt Keogh has no support from our veterans who deserve a Minister who works for them, not against.
Our veterans do not deserve to have their greatest battles after they serve.”
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.
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.
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.