Statements By Members – Veterans: Health Care – Speech in the Federation Chamber 07/09/2026

Mr LLEW O’BRIEN (Wide Bay) (16:21): If someone has served their country, their country must be there for them when they need support. But this Labor government has created distress, anxiety and uncertainty across the veteran community by capping veterans’ access to allied health care. For many veterans, allied health care is essential, not optional. These services help manage service related injuries, chronic health conditions and ongoing mental health challenges.

For veterans with complex needs, Labor’s $5,000 cap will not come close to covering the care they require. Labor’s cap is a profound betrayal of those who have sacrificed and served Australia. Labor’s cap will result in delayed treatment, worsening health outcomes and greater financial and emotional strain on veterans and their families.

The former coalition government established the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide because we recognised our obligation to support veterans and address the lasting impacts of military service. The royal commission’s message was clear: Australia must do more for veterans, not less. Our duty to those who serve does not end when they take off the uniform. I call on the government to reverse this decision immediately. Veterans should not have to pay the price for Labor’s budget mismanagement.