Veterans’ physiotherapy treatment is at risk
Did you know that Federal Government is failing to ensure that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) scheme provides ongoing access to physiotherapy for veterans?
To ensure veterans can access the care they need, the APA is calling for the Federal Government to urgently address the DVA scheme to align physiotherapy provisions with the National Disability Insurance Scheme fee schedule – and bring physiotherapy into line with other allied health services. This was also a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
In 2024, Australian Physiotherapy Association data showed that physiotherapists are providing care by virtue of their altruistic values, though 98 per cent of physiotherapists experienced financial losses under the DVA low fee structure.
The survey also showed that 68 per cent of physiotherapists may have to limit or stop providing veteran DVA services if DVA funding remains the same, up from 45 per cent in 2023.
This is not sustainable. Veterans are at real risk of not receiving treatments from physiotherapists – it’s just not viable.
Veterans deserve access to essential health care
We need the Federal Government to urgently address the funding for physiotherapy to be consistent with the National Disability Insurance Scheme fee schedule – and bring physiotherapy into alignment with other allied health services.
Physiotherapists treat the majority of physical injuries facing veterans, yet are funded $50 less per service compared to other allied health options like occupational therapy.
How you can help
Email your local MP
Please raise this issue with your local member of parliament.
We have a draft email to help you. It’s been written so that veterans, friends and family can easily send a message to a local MP.
If you are a veteran yourself, we encourage you to edit the letter to add your personal perspective.
Enter your postcode in the form below to identify your federal electorate and submit your email.
You’ll also receive a copy of the email to your personal email address.
It will only take a few minutes but can make a big difference.
We thank you sincerely for your time and effort.
For more information
Read the APA's media releases.