Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie became visibly emotional in Parliament on Wednesday, pleading with the Albanese government to scrap a proposed cap on allied health services for veterans. Lambie warned that limiting support for those with complex healthcare needs could put lives at risk and constitute a betrayal of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide's recommendations.
Speaking on Veterans' Day, Lambie directly appealed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh, urging them to remove the $5,000 annual cap on allied health services. "I do believe it will cause suicides," Lambie stated, her voice cracking. "But more importantly, it is not worth a veteran's life."
Lambie argued that the proposed cap contradicts the findings of the Royal Commission, which identified a lack of timely, accessible, and ongoing healthcare as a major trigger for veteran suicides. She questioned the government's commitment to supporting veterans, contrasting their actions with Prime Minister Albanese's earlier statement that “we have an obligation to step up for them.”
The senator highlighted that the cap would affect a small percentage of veterans but could have severe consequences for those with chronic, service-related injuries and illnesses. Data cited by Lambie indicated that out of over 357,000 Australians receiving support from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, approximately 3,000 access allied health services exceeding $15,000 annually, representing less than one percent of beneficiaries.
Lambie also raised concerns about broader systemic issues within the Department of Veterans' Affairs, claiming that some doctors and specialists are withdrawing from treating veterans due to low fees and payment delays. She stated that veterans are experiencing lengthy delays in claim and medical approval processes, with some procedures awaiting approval for up to 60 days and liability claims taking over a year to assess. According to DVA data, over 100,000 claims are currently pending.
Veterans' groups, ex-service organizations, and families have united against the proposal, Lambie noted, including the Returned and Services League. She concluded her plea by urging the government to find savings elsewhere rather than targeting veterans' healthcare, emphasizing that "it is not worth your leadership, PM. But more importantly, it is not worth a veteran's life."