Physiotherapists treating Australian veterans are operating at a loss.
We have been pursuing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Federal Government over funding models, fees and the role of physiotherapists in veterans’ health care.
Despite repeated requests, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon, Matt Keogh MP, declined to meet us, saying he 'does not have the capacity to meet with the APA National President and CEO at this time'. It has now reached the point where Australia’s veteran community is losing access to vital health care as the pool of physiotherapists able to provide service to them diminishes.
We need your help.
The impact is significant
In our recent member survey, the results are concerning.
From the 633 APA member responses, a staggering 91.5 per cent said the DVA fee per physiotherapy service does not allow them to sustainably continue providing care for veterans.
We are extremely concerned that physiotherapy is being selected out of the scheme. Veterans deserve access to high-quality care options that are alternate to the over-reliance on radiological assessment, over-reliance on pharmaceuticals, unnecessary or low value surgery, and low value, one-size-fits-all exercise.
We have released The Physiotherapy in Veterans' Care report covering the details of this survey that demonstrates the number of physiotherapists treating veterans at a loss out of sincere care, ethical duty and passion for those who bravely served our country.
The report's message is clear: support us to support our veterans.
Join our DVA campaign and support the call for a fee review
With your help, we will embark on a more asserted campaign to address the inequities in DVA funding and the loss of physiotherapists.
What you can do
- Write to your MP – The APA has drafted a letter, with instructions, that can be downloaded and emailed or posted to your local MP. If you send or receive correspondence, email our Policy team.
- Download the toolkit – Spread the word across your social media platforms.
- Read the DVA Media Releases – Veterans deserve better access to healthcare: DVA must act now and Supporting Veterans' Access to Physiotherapy Care: A Call for Change