QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:39): Senator Whitten began his question by referencing Vietnam Veterans' Day, and I might take the opportunity to acknowledge that we do mark Vietnam Veterans' Day today. It is 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan. On that day, 18 Australians lost their lives and 24 more were wounded.
It is the case that, for many years, this was a day that served as an unofficial commemoration for Vietnam veterans. It was Prime Minister Bob Hawke who in 1987 named 18 August as Vietnam Veterans' Day. I'm sure senators across the chamber join together in acknowledging and honouring the service of all of those people who returned and all of those who didn't.
You ask about the changes to allied health funding. We do want to ensure that veterans have access to high-quality health services that support their health and support their wellbeing. We also acknowledge the incredible work that is undertaken by the thousands of providers who treat veterans and their families.
For that reason, we are making the most significant payment increase for allied health services provided to veterans in 20 years. The increase to fees paid to providers will expand the network of allied health professionals that are available to veterans. It will improve access to care; it will promote greater treatment options for veterans.
The increase to fees for allied health providers delivering services to veterans will include physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, podiatry and other allied health professions. This measure provides a robust response to recommendation No. 71 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which called for an increase in DVA's fee schedules.
We are also reducing the burden on veterans to go back to a GP every 12 health visits for a new referral and instead expanding this to a $5,000 threshold before a veteran's care is reviewed. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Whitten, first supplementary?