The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for immediate government action to improve veterans' access to physiotherapy services, following the release of new data from its latest member survey and the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

According to the APA's 2024 Veterans' Care Survey, 98 per cent of physiotherapists providing services under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funding model are forced to operate at a financial loss due to chronically low DVA fees, with many considering reducing or stopping services altogether.

The survey also highlights that 68 per cent of physiotherapists may have to limit or cease DVA services if funding remains unchanged, up from 45 per cent in 2023.

APA National President Scott Willis emphasises the urgency of reform to avoid worsening the existing healthcare crisis for veterans.

‘Physiotherapists are committed to the health and wellbeing of our veterans, yet they are being forced out of the DVA system due to unsustainable funding.’  

‘Veterans, many of whom live with complex physical and psychological conditions, deserve better than a system that limits their access to essential healthcare,’ Mr. Willis said.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has identified the critical connection between veterans' physical health and their mental wellbeing.  

Chronic pain is a key risk factor for mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, affecting between 27 and 57 per cent of veterans (Royal Commission 2024). Yet, access to physiotherapy—one of the most common forms of treatment for veterans—continues to be constrained by the DVA’s funding model.

The APA’s 2023 report revealed that 32 per cent of physiotherapists must also account for psychological comorbidities in their treatment plans, yet the DVA’s funding has not been adjusted to reflect the complexity of care required.  

Physiotherapists are essential to this critical care for veterans, yet they are still funded $50 less per service compared to other allied health options like occupational therapy.

‘The DVA scheme forces physiotherapists to choose between providing care at a significant loss or withdrawing services. This chronic underfunding is short-changing veterans and their healthcare needs,’ Mr. Willis said.

The APA is urging the government to urgently review the DVA’s physiotherapy fee schedule to ensure veterans receive the comprehensive care they deserve.  

The association is also calling for the implementation of Royal Commission Recommendation 71, which seeks to align DVA payments with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

‘Veterans have served our country; it’s time for the government to serve them by ensuring their access to physiotherapy is not hindered by financial barriers,’ Mr. Willis added.

The full report and survey results are available on the APA’s website.  

References

Australian Physiotherapy Association (2024), Physiotherapists in veterans’ care. Available at: https://australian.physio/veterans  

Australian Government (2024) Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final report, Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Available at: https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/final-report