QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:33): Thank you again, Senator Lambie, for your question. As I indicated in my answer to your first supplementary question, veterans will not experience a gap in service. They will still be able to access allied health care while that approval process is underway.

You're right that DVA has committed to processing requests within 28 days and advising the veteran of the outcome. I think it is important, Senator Lambie, to acknowledge that these changes occur in a broader context where we seek to reduce the burden on veterans in terms of returning to their GP as part of the treatment cycle. You'll know that, at the moment, veterans are required to return every 12 occasions for a further referral from their GP.

That requirement is not part of the government's proposal going forward. (Time expired)