Veterans told us the allied health threshold was wrong, so we changed it. That's how consultation should work, and it's why stability in the portfolio matters.

What changed

Last week I spoke on a motion from the Member for Riverina about veterans' allied health. The main issue in that motion has already been resolved. The proposed $5,000 allied health threshold is off the table. Veterans, their families, ex-service organisations and health providers raised concerns, and the Government responded. Eligible Veteran Card holders will keep accessing allied health under the current arrangements.

It was never a hard cap where clinically necessary treatment simply stopped. The idea was to replace the current cycle, where veterans can be sent back to their GP for a new referral after every 12 visits. But the people affected said the approach didn't work for them, and the Government acted on that. Develop reform, listen to the people it affects, and let what you hear shape the final policy. That's meaningful consultation.

What stays

The increase in DVA allied health provider fees announced in the Budget is going ahead. It's the largest increase in 20 years.

Why continuity counts

Over nine years of Coalition government, Australia went through six Veterans' Affairs ministers. Governments have three years at most before they face voters again. Changing the minister that often makes the window for real reform even shorter, in a portfolio where experience and relationships matter.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Member for Burt, has held the portfolio since June 2022. In that time, a backlog of almost 42,000 claims that hadn't even been allocated for assessment has been cleared. From 1 July, new compensation and rehabilitation claims go through one Act instead of three. The new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency has started. And 113 of the Royal Commission's 122 recommendations have been agreed or agreed in principle.

Stable doesn't mean stubborn

Stability doesn't mean refusing to listen. The allied health decision shows it. Our veterans deserve a properly resourced system and meaningful consultation. They deserve reform that lasts, and ministers who stay long enough to see it through.

Tom French is the Federal Member for Moore.