Leader of the Nationals Matt Canavan and NSW Nationals Senator Ross Cadell met with veterans in Scone yesterday as part of a visit to the Upper Hunter, following the federal government’s decision to scrap a proposed $5,000 cap on allied health services for veterans.
The cap, due to take effect from July 2027, had attracted sustained criticism from veterans’ advocacy groups and across the political spectrum before Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced last week the government would drop the measure.
“Labor’s $5,000 cap on allied health care for veterans never should have seen the light of day,” Senator Canavan said.
“This is a victory for veterans, their families and everyone who stood alongside them and refused to give up.”
Senator Cadell said he wanted to see further action from the government, calling for Minister Keogh to be removed from the veterans’ affairs portfolio.
“This Minister has failed in his duty to the 25,000 men and women who put their lives on the line for our nation,” Senator Cadell said, describing the proposed cap as “collective punishment for our ex-service personnel.”
Former Royal Australian Navy Combat Systems Operator James Burns said he appreciated the senators taking the time to listen to veterans’ concerns.
“We have simply been asking for a fair hearing,” Mr Burns said.
“I want to thank Matt and Ross for coming to the Upper Hunter and taking the time to sit down and listen to our concerns, and for fighting against this unjust cap.”
