Australian veterans protest proposed $5,000 allied health threshold

Australian veterans have staged a protest outside Parliament House in Canberra, laying down service medals to demand better healthcare. The protest targets a proposed $5,000 annual threshold for allied health services, scheduled to begin on 1 July 2027.

Coalition Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack has criticized the measure, arguing it acts as a cap that creates uncertainty and risks veterans missing essential care. Opponents suggest the limit could be exhausted by approximately 20 psychology or 50 physiotherapy sessions, which may not meet the needs of those with long-term service injuries. A petition calling for Gold Card holders to be exempt and for legislated clinical-need overrides has gathered over 5,700 signatures.

Health Minister Mark Butler defended the policy, stating it is a review point rather than a hard cap. He noted that once the $5,000 threshold is reached, further treatment can be approved based on demonstrated clinical need. The government also announced a $169.7 million investment to increase fees for 13 allied health services to improve provider access and remuneration.