QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (15:07): I thank the member for his question. I'll be meeting with veterans again later this afternoon. Our veterans have stepped up for us, and we must step up for them.

I want to make three points behind the government's proposed changes, which are designed to come into effect in July 2027 and on which the government continues to consult. Point No. 1 is that the government is making a substantial increase to the fees paid to allied health professionals providing services to veterans. Why are we doing that?

Because it was recommended by the royal commission in recommendation 71, because what the royal commission found was that veterans were unable to access those services because those who provide them weren't being paid properly. That is what they found. That's point No. 1.

Point No. 2 is that we're reducing the burden on veterans to go back to a GP every 12 allied health visits for a new referral. That's the existing system up to July 2027. Instead of that, we've expanded it to a $5,000 threshold before a veteran's care is reviewed.

What that means is that the system of reviewing will happen later than it has under the previous system. That's point No. 2. The third point is that we are ensuring further care will be available if there's a clinical need beyond the $5,000.

Opposition members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Order, members on my left! We're going to hear this answer. Mr ALBANESE: So that is the system that is proposed.

The changes will not impact veterans on the special rate disability pension, TPIs or those who've been determined to be catastrophically injured. My government's priority is to ensure that veterans receive high-quality care that supports their health and their wellbeing. The debt that we owe our veterans isn't one that can be paid in gratitude alone.

It has to be paid by making sure that they get the services that they need, with a system that— Opposition members interjecting— Mr ALBANESE: The previous limit was 12 allied health visits before they needed a referral. Now it will be more than 12 visits because of the $5,000. Dr Freelander: You don't like the facts.

The SPEAKER: The member for Macarthur will leave the chamber under standing order 94(a). If you interject— The member for Macarthur then left the chamber.