CLINICIANS, NOT COMPLIANCE OFFICERS: VETERAN SECTOR SECURES KEY IMPROVEMENTS TO ALLIED HEALTH REFORM
RSL ACT has been part of RSL Australia’s collaborative efforts, alongside other RSL State Branch and kindred Veteran Support Organisations, to gain concessions from the Federal Government on its proposed allied health arrangements. RSL Australia released the message below following initial discussions with Minister Keogh and the Federal Government over the preceding months. RSL ACT welcomes these initial changes while recognising more work needs to be done yet to support our veterans.
Ten national veteran service organisations welcome real movement from the Government on the proposed allied health arrangements and commit to codesigning the solution.
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL), together with nine national veteran service organisations thank the Government for addressing some of the key concerns raised in the sector’s open letter to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs last month and is urging veterans and their families to take part in consultations now underway.
RSL Australia, Legacy Australia, TPI Federation of Australia, Australian Commando Association, Women Veterans Australia, Defence Force Welfare Association, Defence Reserves Association, Australian Special Air Service Association, Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association, and Soldier On Australia wrote jointly to Minister Keogh in August, and a number of issues raised are being addressed.
From the discussion paper released on 31 August, and consultation sessions and discussions with Minister Keogh and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to date, the concessions include:
the most vulnerable veterans will be exempt from the changes – no clinical review point
assurances that the review that will replace the 12-session treatment cycle will be less onerous and affect fewer veterans
a veteran’s GP remains responsible for their care and treatment plan
treatment continues while any review is underway, DVA continues paying the bills, and no veteran will be asked to repay any fees
reviews will be conducted by DVA’s clinical staff, not administrative or compliance staff
veterans will see in real-time what providers have billed to their Veteran Card
the checks will not focus on fraudulent behaviour – they will focus on a veteran’s treatment.
The sector also welcomed the Government’s $169.7 million investment in allied health provider fees, the largest in more than two decades, partially delivering Recommendation 71 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
RSL Australia National President, Hon Peter Tinley AM, said the sector is being heard.
“We’re in the room and we’re being heard. The most vulnerable veterans are out of it entirely. The treatment cycle is gone. A veteran’s GP stays in charge of every veteran’s allied health care. That’s real movement and we acknowledge it,” Mr Tinley said.
“We’re not finished. The sector’s view has not changed that clinical need, not a dollar figure, is the right measure of care, and we will keep working through the consultation until veterans and families have full confidence and certainty. But this is what progress looks like, and it is worth saying so,” Mr Tinley said.
Legacy Australia Chair, Mark Lax OAM CSM, said the focus remains on those managing complex needs.
“Families of veterans and war widows hold Veteran Cards too, and many of them are managing complex care. Our job through these consultations is to make sure the solution works for everyone impacted, including those who are not online and those who need help to navigate the system,” Mr Lax said.
TPI Federation of Australia National President, Colin Benporath, commended the Government for exempting the most vulnerable veterans.
“We thank the Government and DVA for exempting our members. But we are at this table for every vulnerable veteran, not just ours. We’ll keep turning up until this is right,” Mr Benporath said.
Defence Force Welfare Association National President, Del Gaudry, said that sensitivity and trauma-informed communications from DVA play a crucial role.
“We will continue to advocate to make sure that our most vulnerable veterans get the support that they need. Contact from DVA should be sensitive and respect veterans’ individual needs.” Ms Gaudry said.
Around the table, not through a megaphone
All ten organisations said the consultations showed the veteran sector and Government working the way they should: around the table, with evidence, on behalf of veterans and their families.
“This is how it is supposed to work. Ten organisations, one case, put respectfully and persistently, and a Government willing to listen and move. Veterans’ health care is too important for anything less,” Mr Tinley said.
RSL representatives contributed to consultation sessions in New South Wales and South Australia this week, alongside Legacy Australia, the Defence Force Welfare Association, Soldier On Australia and other national veteran organisations, with further sessions to come.
Consultations are open until 30 October. Veterans and families of veterans can share their experiences and concerns with RSL Australia at rslaustralia.org/your-voice, with any of the nine national organisations, or make their own submissions to DVA or complete the survey.
“If this affects you, tell us. We’ll take it straight into the room,” Mr Tinley said.