QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:42): Your question starts from a somewhat incorrect premise, in that it is already the case that DVA prefers that compensation medical reports are prepared by the veteran's usual treating doctor. That is the starting point for DVA, and that is because that doctor is engaged in their ongoing care and focused on enhancing their wellbeing.

It recognises, as your question indicates, that that treating provider's clinical knowledge of the veteran is important and also helps by minimising unnecessary appointments and duplication. However, on occasion, independent medical exams are required, and that is where a veteran cannot access a medical provider, where the information that has been provided is incomplete or unclear, or where a claim is particularly complex or additional medical information is required to support a decision.

In every case, whether it is an independent medical examination or a treating practitioner— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Whitten, second supplementary?