The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) commends the remarks made by Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, in Parliament this week, drawing attention to the longstanding healthcare challenges faced by Australian veterans.

APA National President Scott Willis congratulates Mr Wilkie for championing the rights of veterans and says the present state of veterans’ healthcare access is disrespectful to Australians that have served.

“The health of our veterans is suffering as a result of the current restrictions and red tape placed on them by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) scheme; our veterans deserve better, and the Minister needs to act,” Mr Willis said.

In his remarks to Parliament Mr Wilkie shared compelling stories from veterans, highlighting the glaring disparities in healthcare rebates between the DVA and other government-funded programs, meaning veterans are increasingly locked out of the care they need and deserve.

The barriers the DVA model of care creates for veterans accessing vital physiotherapy care are outlined in a recent report by the APA.

The report documents that more than 9 in 10 physiotherapists surveyed find the current level of funding for physiotherapy does not enable them to sustain care for veterans. ¹

The APA has been at the forefront of growing healthcare and civil society campaign advocating for a review of the DVA model of care and fee schedule that recognises the complexity of treating veterans. 

The APA has collected case studies illustrating the impact of the scheme on veterans like Amat Binafoore, who also shared his experience navigating the model with the Royal Commission on Veterans' Suicide.  

"The stories of veterans like Amat, who have struggled to access timely and necessary treatment, are heart-wrenching and underscore the systemic failures in our nations’ care for veterans.”

“We have mobilised members across the country to lobby for reform. Many MPs have written to Minister Matt Keogh on behalf of their constituents. The Minister has repeatedly declined requests to meet with us.”

"It is imperative that the Minister hears the growing calls from veterans, the RSL, health bodies and MPs like Mr Wilkie - and rectifies the DVA model to eliminate these barriers to care.”

“The APA is committed to working alongside the government, veterans, and our colleagues in the sector to address these disparities. It's time for action, to respect and serve our veterans as they deserve,” Mr Willis said. 

Reference

¹ Australian Physiotherapy Association (2023) Physiotherapy in Veterans’ Care. Rep.